The new regulations are set to kick in Formula One from next year onwards. The changes will make a shift to the power play on the grid, and no one knows who will come out on top. While many believe the regulations will bring the fall of Mercedes, Ross Brawn, the managing director of F1, disagrees. He thinks they are sacrificing this year to get a head start on the next year’s championship.

Ross Brawn feels Mercedes will still be dominant despite the new rules

In his column after the Styrian Grand Prix, Brawn wrote, “Someone said to me after the race: ‘Do you think the change in the regulations hurt Mercedes?’ And I said let’s not forget at the end of last year, the Red Bull was probably the fastest car.

“The change of regulations impacted everyone. How much each team was affected is difficult to judge. Red Bull are really starting to assert their authority,” he continued.

“It’s a very difficult year for Mercedes to come back because the focus is so strongly on next season – and the new regulations. Nothing can be done on the engine. Do they burn any resource on this car and sacrifice a bit for next year?

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“I suspect not, as it’s so difficult to suddenly pick up the momentum on a car that you’ve probably stopped working on,” Brawn concluded.

Watch Story: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo

What is happening to the Silver Arrows this season?

The Brackley-based squad have had poor outings at the last three Grand Prix weekends, with rivals Red Bull stealing their victories from under their noses. This has resulted in them losing the lead in the championship.

The seven-time constructor’s winners are in second place with 212 points under their belt. Their rivals from Milton-Keynes, however, have 252 points, creating a forty-point gap.

Mercedes know they need to bring their A-game for round two at the Red Bull Ring in the upcoming weekend. They are well aware of their goal of winning their eighth title and will make sure to put on a tough fight against the Raging Bulls.

Read More: Red Bull May be ‘Two Seconds’ Behind Mercedes F1 Next Year: Toto Wolff