As the 2025 Formula 1 season kickstarts, Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, candidly admits that they may not be leading the pack right off the bat. Based on pre-season testing in Bahrain, Wolff suggests that Mercedes might have to initially settle for the fourth spot among the top teams.
The pre-season performance indicators put McLaren at the vanguard, with their MCL39 showing impressive long-run pace. Red Bull also seems to have addressed the balance issues that troubled their RB20 last year. Meanwhile, Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to be serious contenders, despite the early predictions.
Wolff articulates this candidly, “Our competitors finished 2024 strongly and we know that Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren, in particular, should have a performance advantage over us initially.” However, he also acknowledges the uphill battle that Mercedes has faced over the winter and recognizes that the team’s position at the start of the season does not determine the eventual outcome.
Despite the forecasted initial disadvantage, there’s a silver lining for Mercedes. Both drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, have given positive feedback regarding the handling of the new W16. This new machine appears to be a sizable leap forward from the W15. “Both drivers commented favourably on the W16 after the three days, and we seem to have made improvements,” Wolff affirmed, indicating that the true test lies ahead on the circuit.
Ahead of the much-anticipated inaugural race in Australia, Mercedes has released a promotional video titled ‘Every Dream Needs A Team’. The video symbolizes a time of rejuvenation and reinvention for the Mercedes team, marking the beginning of a new era post-Lewis Hamilton, who had been with the team since 2012.
Recounting his first race with the team in 2013, Wolff reminisced about the palpable energy in the air. He stated, “Australia is always a great place for a race. The circuit is challenging for the drivers and a real test for the car. The fans are always out in force and Melbourne is a fantastic venue to kick off the new season.”
The team principal is excited for the new chapter, looking forward to setting new records and fulfilling new dreams. He states, “We will write the opening lines of our next chapter at the Australian Grand Prix. It’s an exciting time as we build upon the incredible legacy of the Mercedes brand in motorsport.”
Looking ahead, Wolff is enthusiastic about the team’s driver line-up, featuring George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, two talents from Mercedes’ junior programme. He believes this duo, with their experience, youth, and speed, will spearhead Mercedes into the future. “With George and Kimi, we have a strong driver line-up that combines experience, youth, and raw speed. It is an exciting duo that will lead us into our next era,” he concludes.
As the 2025 F1 season commences, Mercedes is set to embark on a thrilling journey. The team is ready to face the challenges, celebrate their innovations, push boundaries, and honour the pioneering spirit of their founders, all the while keeping their eyes on the prize.