Wolff states Mercedes lacks funds for car development amid competition
Autosport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 6:21 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
Toto Wolff revealed that Mercedes cannot develop their car at the same pace as rivals Ferrari and McLaren due to budget constraints. Mercedes has not introduced significant upgrades since the Canadian Grand Prix, while both Ferrari and McLaren have recently made advancements. Wolff emphasized the strategic nature of their spending, noting that updates must be carefully timed. Kimi Antonelli remains the championship leader, currently ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes plans to introduce a new engine at the Italian Grand Prix, where Antonelli is expected to receive a grid penalty.
- •Wolff claims Mercedes can't keep up with rivals' car developments.
- •Mercedes last major upgrade was at the Canadian Grand Prix.
- •Ferrari and McLaren have gained momentum with recent upgrades.
- •Antonelli leads the championship and faces a grid penalty in Italy.
- •Mercedes will introduce a new engine at Monza.
- 12:40 PMAutosport — Mercedes "hasn't got the money" to keep up with rival teams' F1 upgrades
- 12:35 PMMotorsport.com — Mercedes "hasn't got the money" to keep up with rival F1 upgrades
- 6:21 PMYahoo Sports — Mercedes lack money to develop car like rivals - Wolff
"Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says his squad "hasn't got the money" to develop its 2026 car as much as McLaren and Ferrari are doing. Both McLaren and Ferrari have made significant progress in recent months by piling on upgrades to their respective cars, which has turned both into multiple race winners. Meanwhile, a more conservative upgrade plan at Mercedes, with little ...Keep reading
"Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says his squad "hasn't got the money" to develop its 2026 car as much as McLaren and Ferrari are doing. Both McLaren and Ferrari have made significant progress in recent months by piling on upgrades to their respective cars, which has turned both into multiple race winners. Meanwhile, a more conservative upgrade plan at Mercedes, with little ...Keep reading
"Toto Wolff says Mercedes do not have extra money available to quickly respond to the growing threat from McLaren and Ferrari through car development.
Sources
External links- AutosportAug 24, 2026, 12:40 PMMercedes "hasn't got the money" to keep up with rival teams' F1 upgrades
Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says his squad "hasn't got the money" to develop its 2026 car as much as McLaren and Ferrari are doing. Both McLaren and Ferrari have made significant progress in recent months by piling on upgrades to their respective cars, which has turned both into multiple race winners. Meanwhile, a more conservative upgrade plan at Mercedes, with little ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comAug 24, 2026, 12:35 PMMercedes "hasn't got the money" to keep up with rival F1 upgrades
Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says his squad "hasn't got the money" to develop its 2026 car as much as McLaren and Ferrari are doing. Both McLaren and Ferrari have made significant progress in recent months by piling on upgrades to their respective cars, which has turned both into multiple race winners. Meanwhile, a more conservative upgrade plan at Mercedes, with little ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 6:21 PMMercedes lack money to develop car like rivals - Wolff
Toto Wolff says Mercedes "haven't got the money" to develop at the same rhythm as their championship rivals.
- Sky Sports—'We haven't got the money' - Wolff says Mercedes can't match rivals' upgrade rate
Toto Wolff says Mercedes do not have extra money available to quickly respond to the growing threat from McLaren and Ferrari through car development.
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