Mercedes boss Toto Wolff: Past regulations aimed to curb our Formula 1 dominance

As Red Bull continue their 2023 rampage, capturing 14 consecutive victories and rewriting records, Wolff reflects on past regulation changes that he believes were tailored to halt Mercedes' supremacy.

Wolff acknowledged, "We probably lost the 2021 driver championships for many reasons... those regulations were set in place to reduce the advantage that we had."

The regulations in question, implemented for the 2021 F1 season, mandated a 10% downforce reduction by requiring teams to make diagonal cuts in their floors ahead of the rear tires. Safety concerns led to this change after teams exploited lateral slots near the rear tires to enhance downforce.

For Wolff, this was a pivotal aspect behind the dominance of their 2020 car, the W11, which powered Lewis Hamilton to his seventh title. "The 2020 season was a super dominant year for us, I think it was the best car we ever had. Towards the end of the season, they changed the regs by cutting the floor out, and that was to stop us," Wolff asserted.

The repercussions were evident in 2021, with Mercedes trailing Red Bull in competitiveness until Silverstone, where they unlocked more of their car's potential. Wolff explained, "But back in the day, these regs were clearly targeted to reset the pecking order."

While no current plans exist to adjust regulations to curb Red Bull's dominance, Wolff's comments shed light on the historical tussle between Mercedes and regulatory changes.

As the Formula 1 season unfolds, the next challenge awaits in the form of the physically demanding Singapore Grand Prix. Set on the Marina Bay Circuit, this 5.063km track subjects drivers to bumpy street surfaces and humid conditions, testing their skills and stamina. 

The Formula 1 world eagerly anticipates the outcome of this thrilling battle on the streets of Singapore.

 

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