Mercedes dominated Formula 1 in the Turbo-hybrid era. However, Lewis Hamilton and the Silver Arrows were defeated by Max Verstappen at the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. Since then, Verstappen and Red Bull have continued to annihilate the competition. Now, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed caution on the chances of catching up with Milton Keynes.

Wolff acknowledged that it could be difficult to challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull after the pairing dominated last season. Moreover, the Austrian billionaire claimed that there were no miracles in F1 that could help Mercedes defeat its arch-rival. However, Toto Wolff was adamant that the Silver Arrows would aim to outperform the reigning world champions this season.

There are no miracles in the sport. On the other hand, our ambition is strong. It is Red Bull and a very successful car that are the benchmark we are aiming to beat.Toto Wolff said as reported by F1.com

Additionally, the Mercedes team boss reckoned that he had no crystal ball to predict when his team could match Verstappen and Red Bull. However, Wolff highlighted that the Silver Arrows would get an idea of their pace compared to Max Verstappen’s squad in pre-season testing in Bahrain this month. Although, the real pecking order would only come to light at the season opener.

I do not know when that will happen, we do not have any crystal ball. But we will know soon enough how far ahead they are and the task in front of us.Discover: FIA finally breaks SILENCE on Christian Horner’s inappropriate behavior investigationMax Verstappen set to win fourth F1 title in a row in 2024?

The Dutch driver was miles ahead of the competition last season. Max Verstappen had a record-breaking campaign in 2023 when he clinched his third consecutive world title. However, the 26-year-old remains as hungry as ever to win another world championship with Red Bull in the upcoming season.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO).

Verstappen has admitted his desire to win a fourth F1 title this year. The three-time world champion would be in the best position to accomplish this feat as Red Bull will likely double down on its pace advantage in 2024 courtesy of the Adrian Newey-designed RB-20.

However, Max Verstappen could face stiff competition from his rivals including Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. The Silver Arrows have worked extensively on the W15 over the winter. Although, it is clear that the three-time world champion would remain the favorite for the season opener in Bahrain. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out for Verstappen this year.