ANALYSIS: The three key challenges facing Mercedes in their fight to get back to the top

When Mercedes boss Toto Wolff realised the Silver Arrows had manoeuvred their way into a “dead-end street” with their 2023 car, the W14, it felt like a sucker punch to the stomach.

Wolff has become accustomed to winning. Between 2014 and 2020, Mercedes were near unbeatable – winning both drivers’ and constructors’ titles in those seven seasons. It was the most dominant period for a F1 team ever.