Toto Wolff has revealed Mercedes have been “very shut” to breaching F1’s price cap following a crash-strewn finish to the 2024 season.
Three main crashes in the course of the again finish of the 2024 season put a pressure on Mercedes as a result of a scarcity of spare components.
Kimi Antonelli’s crash at Monza and two George Russell crashes later within the season put Mercedes in a predicament.
Russell was compelled to run a ‘Miami-spec’ ground in Mexico following his crash in Friday observe.
Not solely did it impression Mercedes’ on-track efficiency, nevertheless it additionally left them in a troublesome monetary place.
Wolff confirmed that it had vital implications for his or her monetary spending for the yr.
“Very shut. You possibly can’t construct up an enormous egg nest,” Wolff advised AMuS. “It’s extra the case that you just overshoot firstly of the yr after which begin to save.
“On the finish of the yr, we needed to do with out some upgrades in aerodynamics and mechanics as a result of there was merely no cash left to provide the corresponding components.
“The accidents on the finish of the season actually get you into hassle. Kimi [Antonelli] in Monza, George [Russell] in Austin and Mexico. At one level we solely had one set of a sure kind of wing.
“In Mexico we couldn’t return to the outdated aero specification as a result of there have been no spares obtainable. There was no cash left inside the associated fee restrict for brand new ones.”
A brand new chapter for Mercedes in 2025
Mercedes go into 2025 with out Lewis Hamilton in considered one of their automobiles.
As a substitute, 18-year-old wonderkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his F1 debut for the staff alongside Russell.
Mercedes have struggled to familiarize yourself with F1’s present laws within the ‘floor impact period’.
Whereas Mercedes took 4 wins final yr, they have been miles off the tempo in comparison with the highest three within the standings.
Mercedes have lacked consistency, typically left scratching their heads amid their diverse efficiency ranges.
