Relaxation at Mercedes: 'Not the favourite, but a chance to win'

For seven years, Mercedes have been at the top of Formula 1, but for the first time in years they are facing real resistance. However, the battle with Red Bull is not causing Toto Wolff any stress. In fact, the team boss says he is more relaxed than ever this year.

Since Mercedes read the rules for the 2014 engines and cars better than anyone else, the German team have been at the top of Formula 1. In 2017 and 2018, Ferrari came close somewhat, but there was never any real rivalry. Now, Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen are really on the attack.

Less stress for Wolff

Still, Wolff says in conversation with Motorsport.com that the stress has lessened for him. "It has actually become less. For years we were dealing with the pressure that we couldn't possibly lose. But that has changed to: we were not the favourite, but now there is a chance we can win. And that has suddenly provided a bit of relaxation, which also makes it very enjoyable," said the Mercedes team boss.

"Your expectations become different. There is no longer the feeling that something belongs to us. You see that in other sports, where the expectations become so high that it's almost unacceptable to lose. However, we have always remained realistic in our expectations and just enjoyed the journey to get back into a situation where we are competing again."

Pressure on Red Bull

Whether Mercedes deliberately place themselves in the underdog role or not, it works for the Germans. While Red Bull Racing want to do everything they can to become world champions for the first time in years, Mercedes feels it can only win this year.

"Now suddenly there is this relaxation. We are still very ambitious and competitive, but we have become less afraid of losing. We still hate that, but it's less of an impact on how we feel," Wolff concluded.