Shovlin: cost cap makes repeat of Mercedes’ eight-title run ‘really impossible’

Mercedes sealed its ninth constructors’ championship at Interlagos on Sunday. Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show during the celebrations, trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said repeating the team’s eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021 was “really impossible” in the sport as it stands, with the cost cap.

Mercedes’ streak ended after 2021. Red Bull and McLaren then won two constructors’ titles each before the new regulations for 2026 gave Mercedes an opportunity to return to the top.

Shovlin said the years without a title had helped make Mercedes strong in 2026: the team had to keep asking how it could improve. He cited strong Ferrari races, McLaren’s showing at Interlagos and Red Bull’s recent form, adding that Mercedes would take nothing for granted and would still try to win again.

As reigning champion, Mercedes will receive the least aerodynamic testing time. Shovlin said the limit would peg the team back, but was something it could work around.