Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed a cautious outlook for the 2025 Formula 1 season, avoiding bold claims until pre-season testing reveals the true potential of the W16.
Mercedes’ Recent Struggles and Hopes for 2025
After a dominant era of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships, Mercedes has struggled to adapt since the 2022 regulations overhaul, winning just five races in the past three seasons.
Despite showing flashes of competitiveness with four pole positions and several wins in 2024, the team’s inconsistency and track-dependent volatility saw them drop to fourth place in the standings.
🗣️ “These cars are so complicated to hit the sweet spot, that we’ve only done it on a few occasions,” Wolff told RacingNews365. “We were ultra-dominant in Las Vegas [where Mercedes secured a 1-2 finish], and then at other tracks, we were unable to contest for a podium.”
New Driver Line-up and Focus on 2026
Mercedes is also entering a new era in 2025, with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli replacing Lewis Hamilton, who departed for Ferrari. Antonelli will team up with George Russell, who is now in his seventh F1 season.
Wolff emphasized the importance of delivering a competitive car and has full confidence in Russell’s championship potential:
🗣️ “George is ready to fight for the championship, we’ve got to provide him and Kimi with a car that is fast enough.”
At the same time, Mercedes views 2025 as a developmental year for Antonelli, preparing him for the sweeping 2026 regulation changes.
🗣️ “We want to prepare Andrea for 2026,” Wolff told Autosport. “If you expect him to be on pole in Melbourne, win the race, and fight for the championship immediately, then the risk is high—because it won’t happen.”
🗣️ “But if you consider that the boy is 18 years old, very talented, and still needs time to grow, then the risk is limited. We see 2025 as a transition year to prepare him for 2026, when everything restarts for everyone.”
What’s Next for Mercedes?
With pre-season testing approaching, Mercedes will assess whether they have resolved balance issues and can challenge for top-tier performances in 2025. The upcoming Bahrain test will provide crucial insights into the W16’s competitiveness.
Will Mercedes return to the top in 2025, or will another challenging season lie ahead?
