AUGUST 28, 2026

Stella expects Mercedes spending story to have another chapter

Andrea Stella does not believe Mercedes has finished developing its W17, despite Toto Wolff's warning about its remaining cost-cap room.

Andrea Stella is treating Mercedes' claim that it cannot afford a rapid development programme with the traditional caution applied to statements made by rival Formula 1 teams.

Toto Wolff said after Zandvoort that Mercedes had limited room left beneath the cost cap. The team has introduced fewer declared components than Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull and has chosen to spread its production budget across the season.

Stella does not expect that restraint to last if McLaren and Ferrari continue closing the performance gap.

I would like to believe you, but I actually don't believe you, the McLaren team principal said when presented with Wolff's argument.

Stella pointed to approximately $3 million in additional cost-cap allowance connected to the revised 2027 power-unit regulations. He believes Mercedes can use that room to convert development already completed in the wind tunnel into parts for the current car.

Mercedes says the issue is not whether it can find performance but when it is sensible to manufacture and introduce it. Producing every promising floor or wing immediately is an expensive habit under a capped budget.

McLaren's view is simpler. Mercedes began the season with the fastest car and remains in front of both championships. If the opposition continues to improve, Stella expects the necessary money - and the parts - to be found.

Formula 1 teams have been known to understate their competitive intentions. They have been known to understate other things as well.