Toto Wolff (Mercedes) warns against complacency: Why should success continue?

Lewis Hamilton is ‘Mr Silverstone’: the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has won his home Grand Prix an incredible nine times, most recently in 2024 – eight times with Mercedes and once with McLaren.

But the historic Silverstone Grand Prix is not only a home race for the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time, but also for the team: the Mercedes race car is built in Brackley, whilst the power unit is manufactured in Brixworth.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff: “Silverstone is one of the standout races on the calendar. It’s a fantastic circuit, the fans create a unique atmosphere, and as our factories are just a few miles away, it’s a home race for us. However, as soon as we hit the track, it’s all about performance, not the occasion.”

Mercedes can boast an almost flawless record so far in the 2026 season: at each of the eight Grand Prix weekends to date, a Mercedes has secured pole position.

• 2026 on pole position

• Australia: George Russell

• China: Kimi Antonelli

• Japan: Kimi Antonelli

• Miami: Kimi Antonelli

• Canada: George Russell

• Monaco: Kimi Antonelli

• Barcelona: George Russell

• Austria: George Russell

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And in the Grands Prix, the brand with the star was only beaten once, by Ferrari in Spain – with Lewis Hamilton.

• The 2026 Grand Prix winners

• Australia: George Russell

• China: Kimi Antonelli

• Japan: Kimi Antonelli

• Miami: Kimi Antonelli

• Canada: Kimi Antonelli

• Monaco: Kimi Antonelli

• Barcelona: Lewis Hamilton

• Austria: George Russell

But team principal Toto Wolff remains cautious: “In Austria, we had both cars on the podium, but we’re not in a position to assume that this will continue. The field is too tightly packed, the order changes too quickly, and what looked competitive one week can look completely different the next. That is the reality of Formula 1 at the moment.”

“We’re in the midst of an intense battle for development. One team takes a step forward, others react, and that tightens up or changes the order. Consistency has been our strength so far, and that comes from discipline and getting the basics right. Our focus is on continuing to do a good job, making the car more competitive wherever possible and not giving anything away on the track.”