Stop Your Development or You’ll Need a ‘Magic Wand’ in 2022: Wolff Insinuates Trouble for Red Bull F1

Mercedes and Red Bull are battling for the top honours in the 2021 season. The Austrian team, owing to their impressively pacy car, are currently leading their German rivals by four points. But Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that this battle might cost the Milton-Keynes-based outfit in the 2022 season.

F1 is bringing new regulations to make the grid closer and cars easier to follow. So the teams have to fight for positions in the 2021 season and simultaneously develop the 2022 car, which also means they have to divide their resources between the two seasons. Wolff has suggested that if Red Bull continue to develop their 2021 car, they might lose ground next season.

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You need to look also in 2022: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff

As reported by Autosport, Wolff revealed that the German team will now focus on developing the 2022 car after bringing upgrades to their 2021 car in Silverstone. He also mentions that the teams have to sacrifice the 2021 season for the 2022 season.

“You need to look also in 2022,” said Wolff.

“Because unless you’re having some magic wand, you will be at a deficit next year. So I believe that most of the teams have stopped development for 2021. But if they continue to push for 2021, that certainly is going to give them an advantage [this year],” said Wolff.

Read more: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?

Christian Horner claims Red Bull is doing a great job in balancing both seasons

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that teams have to focus on the 2022 car more than this season’s car. But he also stated that the Austrian team is doing a great job in balancing the expectations of both seasons.

“You’ve got to go week by week, race by race and I think the team’s doing a great job of balancing the challenges of this year and next year,” said Horner.

“It’s nothing new. I mean there’s a lot being made of it at the moment, but we’ve had big regulation changes in the past so you have got to balance your resource and apply it to what needs the most.

“I think the team are working incredibly hard, extremely well and effectively,” explained Horner.

At some point, Red Bull will have to shift their focus entirely onto the 2022 season. Are Red Bull making a mistake by focusing more on the 2021 car? Let us know.