Toto Wolff says Mercedes' culture prevents it from taking risks with F1's regulations as much as Ferrari.
Ferrari emerged as Mercedes' main rivals in 2015, winning three races as it finished second in the constructors' championship having made big strides with both its car and power unit. With Ferrari having been part of Formula One since the first world championship in 1950, Wolff believes there are certain factors about the two teams' approaches which disadvantage Mercedes.
"Because we are Mercedes, we operate in a safe environment – but with a very competitive and dynamic philosophy," Wolff told Motorsport.com. "We are not Ferrari, and we haven't been in the sport forever. Therefore, sometimes the way that you tackle regulations, or how you interpret regulations, can give you an advantage.
"This is why we believe that this is definitely sometimes a factor that disadvantages us. But that is how it is. That is okay."
Ferrari came under scrutiny last year for the nature of its partnership with the new Haas F1 Team, with Mercedes writing to the FIA to ask for clarity regarding certain regulations. The stewards at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ruled Ferrari had acted within the rules but moved to close off any loopholes which other teams could exploit in the future.
Following the stewards decision, Ferrari said it felt Mercedes had acted in a "fair" manner.
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