Mercedes generally went under the radar in pre-season testing, as McLaren and Ferrari received the lion’s share of media focus. Heading into round one in Bahrain, it was the Woking and Maranello-based operations that were seen as favourites.
After the first two rounds, however, Mercedes have surpassed all expectations with their 2025 package.
The W16 is far more predictable than it’s predecessor. This is true in terms of it’s drivability and resistance to changes in wind levels and track temperature – which were previously catastrophic for performance.
George Russell sits 3rd in the Championship, taking successive podiums and regularly giving McLaren something to worry about.
Moving forward, Mercedes are cautiously optimistic they can give Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris some headaches.
Mercedes optimistic they can claw the gap
Unlike previous years, the 2025 development race is likely to be decided within the first months of the season.
With teams already allocating resources to the 2026 regulations, there is a very small window of opportunity for improvements this year.
Because of this, Mercedes have put themselves in a very strong position with the W16’s baseline.
The Brackley-based squad can avoid the headaches Ferrari and Red Bull are facing – with both teams uncertain about their development direction.
Since returning to Mercedes, Technical Director James Allison has fixed many of the team’s previous limitations.
The W16 is another step in the right direction, inspiring confidence that more lap-time can be unlocked.
Speaking after the Chinese GP, team principal Toto Wolff was optimistic about the title fight:
“Today they had maybe two tenths on us,” he told Sky Germany.
“Considering the fact our car didn’t work on Friday at all, it was a good step.
“Two tenths, even three tenths, can be made up,” Wolff added.
“The way it was in Melbourne, it was too much.”
Antonelli completes strong driver line-up
Crucially, Mercedes are the beneficiaries of having a very strong driver combination.
Unlike Red Bull, who have only scored points with Max Verstappen, both Silver Arrow drivers are delivering results.
George Russell can be relied upon to maximise the car, whilst Kimi Antonelli is already fast enough to keep the British driver honest.
Antonelli’s finish in Shanghai, P6 after the Ferrari disqualifications, was better than it looked on paper.
The 18-year-old suffered floor damage at the beginning of the race, which proved a limiting factor for his performance.
Despite this, the Mercedes driver contributed important points to a team that cannot be written off.
Toto Wolff is pleased with the youngster’s development, especially considering his potential to improve:
“Kimi’s race was unfortunately compromised by floor damage he sustained on the first lap.
“He kept his head down though and fought really hard, despite the sizeable performance deficit he was carrying, to come home a creditable P8.
“He didn’t complain throughout the race, just kept focused on the job, and that’s exactly what we want to see.
“Overall, it’s been a good start to the new season. The ambition is to win but we don’t feel any entitlement that we should.
“The car is not quite as fast as the McLaren as the moment, but the team are working hard to close that gap.
“For now, we are maximising the performance we have and to leave China second in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Having taken two podiums for the first two races, is satisfying.”
