Mercedes remain as hungry to win as they did back in 2013 ahead of an eighth Formula 1 title pursuit this season, Toto Wolff claims.
Last year was one of the most dominant yet for the German manufacturer, as they won 13 of 17 races and finished 254 points ahead of Red Bull atop the Constructors’ standings.
But while Wolff looks back on the year that was with pride, he is sticking to the same approach that was worked so well since 2014, take nothing for granted.
“I’m very proud of how we reacted to the very unusual 2020 season and the results we were able to achieve, not just on track but off it as well,” he said at the launch of the W12 this week.
“We had a very strong car with some innovative solutions like DAS and our entire team performed on the highest level in a year that threw some great challenges at us.
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“Setting expectations [for 2021] is always dangerous and I find it difficult because as soon as the car crosses the line at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, I start worrying about the next year,” he admitted.
“There are several changes to the cars this season which might look small, but they are quite impactful from a performance point of view. So, we can’t take any comfort from our good results in 2020.
“Every winter, there are always indications that someone else might have done a better job, so we must keep pushing.
“That scepticism and hunger drive us and get us fired up for every new season because the scoreboard goes to zero and there’s always more performance to be found, and that’s exciting. I enjoy this time of year as we drive into the unknown.”
With Mercedes’ rivals still unable to match their level, the fear of defeat may not always be enough to keep pushing as hard as before.
Wolff though sees none of that as constant changes and the desire for perfection give the team new goals to attain.
“Every year we reset our focus and define the right objectives,” he explained. “That may sound simple but it’s damn hard and is probably why there are no sports teams out there with seven consecutive world titles.
“So many things can happen, teams can break apart, people leave, a sense of complacency appears, the pressure and constant stretch can burn people out. And it’s very natural to get used to success and therefore not fight as hard for it.
“But this team has not shown any of that. I see the same fire, hunger and passion now as I did the first time I walked through the doors in 2013.
“Every season presents a new challenge and therefore, a new goal for us to achieve. 2021 brings changes to the regulations, which could impact our competitiveness, plus the cost cap and working on the major rule changes of 2022.
“These challenges excite us, they are just what the doctor ordered!”