OMNISPORT

Toto Wolff says Mercedes will have to "start from scratch" in 2019, claiming new regulations mean anyone could challenge for the drivers' and constructors' titles.

Mercedes have been the dominant force in Formula One over recent years, claiming team honors in each of the past five seasons.

Changes to aerodynamic rules promise to improve racing this year, while an increased fuel allowance is aimed at minimizing the need to conserve fuel during races.

Speaking at the launch of Mercedes' 2019 contender the W10, Wolff insisted the team could not expect a free run at the title.

"The 2019 season will be a new challenge for all of us," said the team principal. "The regulations have changed quite substantially. We have to start from scratch, we need to prove ourselves again – against our own expectations and against our competitors.

"We start the season with zero points, so we're taking nothing for granted and there's absolutely no feeling of entitlement to be at the front. In fact, with the regulation change for the new season, every team can have a shot at the title and we're seeing all of them as a potential threat."

Mercedes will use Wednesday's launch event as a chance to finalize preparations for the first preseason test in Barcelona next week, ahead of the first race in Australia on March 17.

"We’re eager to hit the ground running in Barcelona, to benchmark ourselves against our own simulations and see if our predictions materialize on track," he added. "We will focus on ourselves, building up performance and hopefully be ready when the first really competitive session starts on Saturday in Melbourne."