Mercedes unveils plan for just “minor tweaks” to a W12 car that competed for the title for the rest of 2021 before resetting F1 rules

Toto Wolff: “This championship will last a very long time and we believe the remaining lap time is in our car, in our drive unit and in understanding the setting, instead of adding a tenth or two of thrust.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said world champions plan to introduce only “minor changes” to their 2021 car by the end of the season, as they are now “leveling out” major rule changes next year.

The current seven-time double champions are again leading this year’s standings, but it looks like they will be locked in a seasonal fight to keep the crown against Red Bull after head-to-head duels in all four races so far.

But given the specter of one of the biggest technical overhauls in decades looming until 2022, Wolff has hinted that Mercedes will now largely work with what they have on the current W12 – instead of continuing to chase further development improvements deeper than scheduled. a campaign of 23 races.

“Obviously we’re shaking and trying to make changes to the car and trying to understand the car and the tires,” Wolff said Sky Sports F1 at the GP of Monaco.

“But in 2022 we are completely done.

“There will be minor tweaks [to the W12] it will come, but I think he understands the concept of this year’s car more, that’s where we’re looking for a win in the circuit. “

Red Bull, determined to take the title from Mercedes for the first time in the current turbo-hybrid engine era, has brought further aerodynamic updates to its RB16B for the Monaco GP this weekend.

Wolff believes Mercedes ’approach can pay off, he’s sure there’s more untapped inherent potential in the W12’s chassis and powertrain.

“We’re confident we can fight for it,” added Wolff, whose team has won three races at Red Bull in 2021 so far.

“This championship will last a very long time and we believe the remaining lap time is in our car, in our drive unit and in understanding the settings, instead of adding a tenth or two of thrust.

“Next year’s rules will exist for many years, and if you start with a shortage, it will obviously bite you not only next year but in the years to come.”

All teams must balance the challenge by trying to be as competitive as possible this season, while ensuring they don’t stay in early 2022 when new regulations arrive.

Ferrari said earlier this month that they had already shifted 90-95 percent of their resources to next season’s cars, while Haas brand protectors have openly said they are making every effort throughout the year to regulate 2022.

Delayed for a year due to the pandemic, the challengers of the new F1 look will have simplified aerodynamics in an attempt to promote closer racing and a return effect on the ground, along with larger 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires.