Mercedes plans major F1 upgrades for second half of season

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the Silver Arrows will hold back a large portion of their development work for the latter half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The strategy is intended to maximise performance gains and counter Ferrari’s aggressive upgrade pace, which Wolff described as the only front‑running team not easing off development.

Mercedes currently lead the constructors’ championship with 379 points, a 72‑point margin over Ferrari. After a major aerodynamic and cooling package in pre‑season testing and a significant update at the Canadian Grand Prix – including a new front wing, revised suspension covers, floor and rear wing changes and weight reduction – the team has deliberately limited further large‑scale upgrades. Wolff emphasized that timing, rather than frequency, will be key to maintaining their advantage while staying within the cost cap.