{"id":2108381,"date":"2026-08-24T07:59:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T04:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2108381"},"modified":"2026-08-24T07:59:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T04:59:04","slug":"mercedes-boss-makes-shocking-revelation-about-f1-title-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2108381","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes boss makes shocking revelation about F1 title battle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Mercedes boss makes shocking revelation about F1 title battle<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has claimed Mercedes is lacking the money to develop at the rate of its F1 rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-08-24T08:59:04+01:00\">24 Aug 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Toto Wolff says Mercedes cannot afford to upgrade its car<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has made the extraordinary claim that Mercedes \u201chaven\u2019t got the money\u201d to match the development rate of its Formula 1 rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes dominated the start of the season by winning the first six races but Ferrari and McLaren have each claimed two victories in the last six. Both teams have been bringing upgrades to improve their cars and subsequently close the gap to Mercedes at an aggressive rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory either side of the F1 summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix, beating Mercedes pair Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes has not introduced a major upgrade since the Canadian Grand Prix in May, while McLaren and Ferrari have been bringing new parts at most races since.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Wolff made the staggering claim after the Dutch Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWe haven&#8217;t got the money to put developments on the car,\u201d Wolff said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI said it before, we are trying to evenly split that through the season, based on our calculations of when we can bring the biggest updates and optimising the championship points. We just can&#8217;t do what we can&#8217;t do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked why Mercedes does not appear to have the same financial might as its rivals when it comes to car development, Wolff replied: \u201cDid we spend too much at the beginning in the initial development? I don&#8217;t think so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just think we&#8217;re an organisation that has a certain size and infrastructure. And, you know, in that respect, we had a really quick car.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe left between 50 and 100 points on the table with reliability issues and that would have given us a little bit more of a gap than we have today.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Lando Norris beat the Mercedes pair to claim his second win in a row<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cOther than that, we&#8217;re just continuing to execute what the plan was and what the financial realities mean for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since the start of the 2026 season, Ferrari has introduced a total of 40 new updates, ahead of Red Bull and McLaren on 38. Mercedes, meanwhile, has only added 24 items to its W17.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will see how towards the end of the season if they&#8217;re going to be able to deploy as much stuff onto the car as they do now,\u201d Wolff added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSomeone might have a different strategy in spending more at the beginning and in the middle of the year than towards the end.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>McLaren doubts Mercedes claim\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said he \u201cdidn\u2019t believe\u201d Wolff\u2019s claim about Mercedes\u2019 finances.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to believe you, but I actually don&#8217;t believe you. I don&#8217;t believe it, because thanks to the 2027 power unit regulations, all teams will have an allowance in their reporting for the cost-cap,\u201d Stella said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure that Mercedes, having seen that the rivals are kind of elevating the game, I&#8217;m sure they will now cash in on their development. Surely, it&#8217;s happening on the ground.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7c1572c8314090dc946d3140b3ec981185d87a06c40edfc2df52fe4ed2942474\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ferrari defends Dutch GP strategy after Lewis Hamilton criticism<\/li>\n<li>\u2018Tough calls need to be done\u2019 &#8211; Toto Wolff stands by Mercedes F1 team orders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure the car in the windtunnel is quite a bit faster than the car they have on track, and they will want to now convert some of this potential into upgrades that make it to the real car.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m pretty sure that they will have upgrades. Obviously, it would be good if not, but I don&#8217;t even want to think it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff questioned how Ferrari was able to bring so many upgrades earlier this year, and claimed the Italian squad &#8220;need to be running out of cost cap money soon\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This prompted a spiky response from Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who hit back at Wolff\u2019s \u201cquite ironic\u201d comments.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I found it quite ironic coming from Toto and Mercedes,&#8221; the Frenchman said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But when Red Bull is developing or when Mercedes is developing they are geniuses; when we are developing we are cheating!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you have to calm down with this. We didn&#8217;t bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don&#8217;t know if it was a joke or\u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ferrari<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why two F1 drivers escaped \u2018very significant penalty\u2019 for pit lane breach <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ferrari defends Dutch GP strategy after Lewis Hamilton criticism <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-50b63ddc0e6cd3247831e6dbc70805271c2da055913cf08e76009e83ad8f93e1\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-e7024e101f66daf8789a11c775040e60584deffc372fe5c97602f068c41dbaaa\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Charles Leclerc joins Lewis Hamilton in questioning Ferrari&#8217;s Dutch GP strategy<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429243_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Leclerc was confused by Ferrari&apos;s strategy calls in Zandvoort\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton slates Ferrari Dutch GP tactics with championship jibe<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431692_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Hamilton was less than impressed by Ferrari&apos;s in-race decision-making \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lando Norris addresses F1 title chances after Zandvoort victory<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431754_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris celebrates in Zandvoort\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hamilton calls out Ferrari for \u201cwasting time\u201d in fiery radio messages <\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431146_hires_0.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lewis Hamilton was not happy with Ferrari \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris beats Antonelli to win final Dutch GP after Verstappen shunt<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431655_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lando Norris celebrates his Dutch GP win \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff prods Red Bull with Verstappen Mercedes \u2018family\u2019 reminder<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1419903_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wolff was all smiles on Saturday in Austria\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c3f085a84f8bfbe8adec5e182e049b450c66fb734442ff88d82abb384ff9cd38\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari defends Dutch GP strategy after Lewis Hamilton criticism<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787559600\"> 1m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1428365_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1428365_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1428365_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mercedes boss makes shocking revelation about F1 title battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787558344\"> 22m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why two F1 drivers escaped \u2018very significant penalty\u2019 for pit lane breach<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787508649\"> 14h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431601_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431601_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431601_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2018Tough calls need to be done\u2019 &#8211; Toto Wolff stands by Mercedes F1 team orders<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787506203\"> 14h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431742_hires_6.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431742_hires_6.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431742_hires_6.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Charles Leclerc joins Lewis Hamilton in questioning Ferrari&#8217;s Dutch GP strategy<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787504745\"> 15h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429243_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429243_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429243_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main-lists block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c95f25c92f1673acf2ef8d24853cba456b55cb829dbf0802d2930bc086ec35af\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The all-time F1 winners&#8217; list after the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787504400\"> 15h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_480596_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_480596_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_480596_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton slates Ferrari Dutch GP tactics with championship jibe<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787504160\"> 15h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431692_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431692_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431692_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lando Norris addresses F1 title chances after Zandvoort victory<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787502540\"> 15h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431754_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431754_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431754_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen reveals what caused his scary Dutch GP crash <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787502494\"> 15h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431256_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431256_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431256_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hamilton calls out Ferrari for \u201cwasting time\u201d in fiery radio messages <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787500371\"> 16h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431146_hires_0.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431146_hires_0.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431146_hires_0.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has claimed Mercedes is lacking the money to develop at the rate of its F1 rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has made the extraordinary claim that Mercedes \u201chaven\u2019t got the money\u201d to match the development rate of its Formula 1 rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes dominated the start of the season by winning the first six races but Ferrari and McLaren have each claimed two victories in the last six. Both teams have been bringing upgrades to improve their cars and subsequently close the gap to Mercedes at an aggressive rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory either side of the F1 summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix, beating Mercedes pair Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes has not introduced a major upgrade since the Canadian Grand Prix in May, while McLaren and Ferrari have been bringing new parts at most races since.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Wolff made the staggering claim after the Dutch Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWe haven&#8217;t got the money to put developments on the car,\u201d Wolff said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI said it before, we are trying to evenly split that through the season, based on our calculations of when we can bring the biggest updates and optimising the championship points. We just can&#8217;t do what we can&#8217;t do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked why Mercedes does not appear to have the same financial might as its rivals when it comes to car development, Wolff replied: \u201cDid we spend too much at the beginning in the initial development? I don&#8217;t think so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just think we&#8217;re an organisation that has a certain size and infrastructure. And, you know, in that respect, we had a really quick car.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe left between 50 and 100 points on the table with reliability issues and that would have given us a little bit more of a gap than we have today.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Lando Norris beat the Mercedes pair to claim his second win in a row<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cOther than that, we&#8217;re just continuing to execute what the plan was and what the financial realities mean for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since the start of the 2026 season, Ferrari has introduced a total of 40 new updates, ahead of Red Bull and McLaren on 38. Mercedes, meanwhile, has only added 24 items to its W17.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will see how towards the end of the season if they&#8217;re going to be able to deploy as much stuff onto the car as they do now,\u201d Wolff added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSomeone might have a different strategy in spending more at the beginning and in the middle of the year than towards the end.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>McLaren doubts Mercedes claim\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said he \u201cdidn\u2019t believe\u201d Wolff\u2019s claim about Mercedes\u2019 finances.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to believe you, but I actually don&#8217;t believe you. I don&#8217;t believe it, because thanks to the 2027 power unit regulations, all teams will have an allowance in their reporting for the cost-cap,\u201d Stella said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure that Mercedes, having seen that the rivals are kind of elevating the game, I&#8217;m sure they will now cash in on their development. Surely, it&#8217;s happening on the ground.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7c1572c8314090dc946d3140b3ec981185d87a06c40edfc2df52fe4ed2942474\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ferrari defends Dutch GP strategy after Lewis Hamilton criticism<\/li>\n<li>\u2018Tough calls need to be done\u2019 &#8211; Toto Wolff stands by Mercedes F1 team orders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure the car in the windtunnel is quite a bit faster than the car they have on track, and they will want to now convert some of this potential into upgrades that make it to the real car.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m pretty sure that they will have upgrades. Obviously, it would be good if not, but I don&#8217;t even want to think it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff questioned how Ferrari was able to bring so many upgrades earlier this year, and claimed the Italian squad &#8220;need to be running out of cost cap money soon\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This prompted a spiky response from Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who hit back at Wolff\u2019s \u201cquite ironic\u201d comments.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I found it quite ironic coming from Toto and Mercedes,&#8221; the Frenchman said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But when Red Bull is developing or when Mercedes is developing they are geniuses; when we are developing we are cheating!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you have to calm down with this. We didn&#8217;t bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don&#8217;t know if it was a joke or\u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has made the extraordinary claim that Mercedes \u201chaven\u2019t got the money\u201d to match the development rate of its Formula 1 rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes dominated the start of the season by winning the first six races but Ferrari and McLaren have each claimed two victories in the last six. Both teams have been bringing upgrades to improve their cars and subsequently close the gap to Mercedes at an aggressive rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory either side of the F1 summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix, beating Mercedes pair Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes has not introduced a major upgrade since the Canadian Grand Prix in May, while McLaren and Ferrari have been bringing new parts at most races since.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1396625_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Wolff made the staggering claim after the Dutch Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWe haven&#8217;t got the money to put developments on the car,\u201d Wolff said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI said it before, we are trying to evenly split that through the season, based on our calculations of when we can bring the biggest updates and optimising the championship points. We just can&#8217;t do what we can&#8217;t do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked why Mercedes does not appear to have the same financial might as its rivals when it comes to car development, Wolff replied: \u201cDid we spend too much at the beginning in the initial development? I don&#8217;t think so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just think we&#8217;re an organisation that has a certain size and infrastructure. And, you know, in that respect, we had a really quick car.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe left between 50 and 100 points on the table with reliability issues and that would have given us a little bit more of a gap than we have today.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431711_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Lando Norris beat the Mercedes pair to claim his second win in a row<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cOther than that, we&#8217;re just continuing to execute what the plan was and what the financial realities mean for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since the start of the 2026 season, Ferrari has introduced a total of 40 new updates, ahead of Red Bull and McLaren on 38. Mercedes, meanwhile, has only added 24 items to its W17.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will see how towards the end of the season if they&#8217;re going to be able to deploy as much stuff onto the car as they do now,\u201d Wolff added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSomeone might have a different strategy in spending more at the beginning and in the middle of the year than towards the end.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>McLaren doubts Mercedes claim\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said he \u201cdidn\u2019t believe\u201d Wolff\u2019s claim about Mercedes\u2019 finances.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to believe you, but I actually don&#8217;t believe you. I don&#8217;t believe it, because thanks to the 2027 power unit regulations, all teams will have an allowance in their reporting for the cost-cap,\u201d Stella said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure that Mercedes, having seen that the rivals are kind of elevating the game, I&#8217;m sure they will now cash in on their development. Surely, it&#8217;s happening on the ground.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7c1572c8314090dc946d3140b3ec981185d87a06c40edfc2df52fe4ed2942474\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ferrari defends Dutch GP strategy after Lewis Hamilton criticism<\/li>\n<li>\u2018Tough calls need to be done\u2019 &#8211; Toto Wolff stands by Mercedes F1 team orders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m sure the car in the windtunnel is quite a bit faster than the car they have on track, and they will want to now convert some of this potential into upgrades that make it to the real car.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m pretty sure that they will have upgrades. Obviously, it would be good if not, but I don&#8217;t even want to think it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff questioned how Ferrari was able to bring so many upgrades earlier this year, and claimed the Italian squad &#8220;need to be running out of cost cap money soon\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This prompted a spiky response from Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who hit back at Wolff\u2019s \u201cquite ironic\u201d comments.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I found it quite ironic coming from Toto and Mercedes,&#8221; the Frenchman said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But when Red Bull is developing or when Mercedes is developing they are geniuses; when we are developing we are cheating!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you have to calm down with this. We didn&#8217;t bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don&#8217;t know if it was a joke or\u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1102964\/1\/mercedes-boss-makes-shocking-revelation-about-f1-title-battle&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Mercedes boss makes shocking revelation about F1 title battle Toto Wolff has claimed Mercedes is lacking the money to develop at the rate of its F1 rivals. Lewis Larkam 24 Aug 2026 Share Toto Wolff says Mercedes cannot afford to upgrade its car Prefer Crash.Net on Google See our stories more often [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2108381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2108381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2108381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2108381\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2108381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2108381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2108381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}