F1 News
Mercedes will push flat out for Melbourne to challenge 'particularly strong McLaren'
For the past three seasons Mercedes has not been a title contending team in Formula One, something they hope to be able to change with their 2025 car, the W16. Following the pre-season testing in Bahrain, George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin outlined their goals ahead of the season opener in Australia in two-weeks time.
Mercedes looked consistently strong throughout the trio of days the F1 teams spent preparing for the 2025 start in Melbourne. In a Mercedes issued press release following the completion of winter testing in Bahrain, Russell complimented the whole of the German team for the work done in the off-season, which saw him top the charts on the third and final day of testing.
'Pushing flat out for Australia'
"We've had a productive three days here at pre-season testing in Bahrain. The team at Brackley, Brixworth, and here trackside have done a great job to have us ready for the test and rack up a significant amount of mileage," highlighting the fact that Mercedes were the team that completed the most laps around the Bahrain International Circuit.
"We've had a seamless three days, and the car is running well. It is no surprise to see some of our competitors, particularly McLaren, looking strong. We've compiled significant data and knowledge which gives the opportunity to find further improvements ahead of Melbourne. Kimi and I will be in the factory next week, driving on the simulator, and everyone will be pushing flat out to ensure we bring our best to Australia. I can't wait to get started," added Russell clarifying Mercedes' plan for the weeks prior to the season opener, the Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes eager for more: 'Bring most effective car to Australia'
Shovlin, then echoed the words of lead driver, Russell. "We've had a solid three days of pre-season testing here in Bahrain. The team has worked hard over the winter to improve on the weaknesses of the W15 and, from the initial signs, we seem to have made good steps in those areas," said the Trackside Engineering Director.
"It is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth that we were able to complete the most laps of any team over the course of the test," alluding to the 458 laps the German team completed around the Middle-Eastern track. However, with the competition closer than ever before under the current regulations, Shovlin knows there's still work to do ahead of the 2025 season start.
"Over the next week, we will pick through that data to assess areas of improvement and to bring the most effective race car we can for the first race in Melbourne in two weeks' time. It is of course far too early to make an accurate prediction of the competitive order. However, we can be pleased with how the test has gone and look forward to heading to Australia to begin the 2025 season," said Shovlin.
Antonelli can't wait to start his rookie season in F1
Rookie, Kimi Antonelli, points to the several interruptions that disrupted the Friday morning session. "Overall, it's been a good three days on track here in Bahrain. It's been a positive test, and we've built our knowledge of the W16 with plenty of running. There were a few interruptions and red flags that delayed our programme, but we got through everything we wanted to."
After speaking about the mixed conditions that affected the F1 teams in Bahrain, the Italian youngster is still positive. "We have just focused on our own work and are pleased with what we've achieved. We can now go away, look through the data and continue to work on how we can bring the best race car possible to the first race in Melbourne in two weeks' time."
"From my own perspective, I've enjoyed getting out on track for the first time as a Mercedes works driver. It's been good to continue building my experience of working with the team and furthering my preparations for my rookie season. I'm excited to get to Melbourne now and get the 2025 season properly underway," concluded Antonelli.
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