As Mercedes finalizes work on the W16 ahead of testing in Bahrain, George Russell says the team is optimistic about progress. The British driver expects a more competitive Mercedes in 2025, in which they should have noticeable changes compared to last season.
If the Silver Arrows produce a car capable of fighting for the title, Russell is confident they will know how to take advantage of it.
Mercedes’ expectations for 2025.
In some ways, last season was the most successful for Mercedes in the current generation of cars. Although they finished 4th in the constructors’ standings (their worst finish since 2012), they achieved four victories – the most since 2021.
Russell and Hamilton each stood on the top podium twice, and the Silver Arrows were often in contention for the top spot. The team’s biggest limitation, not for the first time, was the great unpredictability of performance.
An extremely tight work window has meant Mercedes have gone from dominant results (like a 1-2 in Las Vegas) to disappointing weekends where they were the slowest of the top four teams. One of their goals for 2025 is to establish a more consistent foundation and address fundamental issues.
Russell: We’re going in the right direction
Speaking to Sky Sports, George Russell explained the progress of the team’s development: “There have been a lot – I wouldn’t say direct changes from last year to this year – these are things that have been in the works for a long time.”
“Elements that we failed to implement on the car in 2024, but which we have been working on for some time. We are optimistic that it will be a good step in the right direction,” emphasized the Mercedes driver.
The 2025 season will be a major test for George Russell, who has been entrusted with the role of team leader following the departure of Lewis Hamilton. His teammate Kimi Antonelli, who comes to F1 after skipping Formula 3 and driving just one season in Formula 2, is highly regarded within the team.
Toto Wolff decided to speed up the 18-year-old’s promotion to Mercedes, and Antonelli spent the past year undergoing intensive testing. Although the young Italian is causing excitement, Russell is expected to take on the role of team leader. A big year for Mercedes
However, Russell certainly won’t want someone almost ten years younger to become the new reference. After several seasons with Lewis Hamilton as his teammate, the three-time race winner is confident in his abilities.
Russell believes that, with the right car, he is ready to deliver results for Mercedes:
“Of course, you never know what your rivals have done. This year, with 2026 in mind, the question is whether the teams will continue to develop or not – that will be interesting.”
“I feel ready, everyone on the team is extremely motivated. I feel like these years have been a kind of trial and error process. But every time we had a chance to win – we won.”
“And that’s what gives me optimism that, if we have the right car, we can achieve great things.”
