Wolff: Mercedes now “beyond numbers" with winning F1 mentality

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says his side is now “beyond the numbers” when it comes to its run of success in Formula 1.

The German manufacturer, which has dominated the V6 hybrid era by winning every single title on offer since the start of 2014, could make yet more history this season by becoming the first team ever to win seven consecutive constructors’ world championships.

Mercedes also has the chance to eclipse its own unprecedented benchmark of six world championship doubles if it successfully defends both crowns again in 2020, but Wolff insisted numbers alone is not what motivates the team.

“I think in some weird way we are beyond the numbers,” Wolff told Sky Sports.

“It is about enjoying what we do and trying to develop the team and push the needle.

“It’s not about the seventh championship but really about doing every weekend as good as we can, because in 2021 becomes this massive revolution with the cost cap and totally new technical regulations and we want to be fit for then, whilst being very competitive in 2020.”

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, whose future beyond the end of this season is yet to be firmed up, heads into 2020 on the verge of equaling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of seven world championships.

Despite being linked with a possible move to Ferrari for 2021, the Briton is expected to remain at Mercedes. And Wolff feels Hamilton has “no reason” to leave, regardless of whether he matches Schumacher this year or not.

“It’s about keeping the feet on the ground,” Wolff said.

“If it were to happen then he’s very comfortable within the team and we enjoy working with him, so there’s no reason to go, irrespective of whether it’s seven this year or the future.”

Asked who he feels will provide Mercedes with its biggest challenge in 2020, Wolff replied: “I think Red Bull because Max can be the youngest world champion if he wins and I think that Red Bull and Helmut will put a massive emphasis on this.

“It would be a nice thing for them, so I believe Red Bull are going to be the ones focusing a lot on 2020.”