At the end of the three-day test, which opened the 2025 season, Mercedes can draw positive conclusions in light of a program that has been successfully and consistently implemented. Over the three days, the German team completed a total of 458 laps, covering more than 2,500 kilometers. One of the key aspects of the work was the confidence-building of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who showed an excellent feeling behind the wheel of the W16 car from the very first laps on Wednesday. Positive impressions also come from George Russell, who, like his teammate, confirmed the consistency of his performance on the track – which is a good basis for the final preparations ahead of the first race in Australia. Mercedes’ primary goal was to reverse the negative trend and address the key weaknesses of last season’s car. The path they have taken in 2025 seems to be the right one, as confirmed by racing director Andrew Shovlin.
“The team has been working hard over the winter to improve the weak points of the W15 car, and early indications suggest that we have made significant progress in these areas with the 2025 car,” said Shovlin. “Despite some red flag interruptions and some rain, we were able to complete the majority of the program.”
Although raw speed is not crucial within the framework of three-day testing, reliability and consistency in the number of kilometers traveled are of great importance.
“The fact that we completed more laps than anyone else is testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. Over the next week we will analyse the data to identify areas for improvement and get the car in as efficient a condition as possible for the first race in Melbourne,” he explains.
Shovlin was cautious about making predictions about the team standings. “It’s still too early to make any precise assessments of competitiveness. However, we can be pleased with how the test went and we look forward to heading to Australia to start the 2025 season.”
Antonelli I am pleased with the feedback
Ahead of the start of testing, all eyes were on the Mercedes with the number 12, which marked the official debut of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian lived up to expectations with a solid program, showing from the very start that he was well prepared for the first race of his career.
“All in all, we have had a good three days on track in Bahrain,” said Antonelli after the test concluded. “It was a positive test and through a lot of work we gained further understanding of the W16 car. There were a few interruptions and red flags that delayed our programme, but we still managed to complete everything we had planned.” The conditions over the three days were challenging and unusual for the Sakhir circuit. “The conditions were changeable, especially in the first two days. This made it even more difficult to get a clear picture of the competitiveness of the teams, but we focused on our own work and are happy with what we achieved. We can now analyse the data and continue working to bring the best possible car to the first race in Melbourne.”
Antonelli expressed his satisfaction at having gained as much experience as possible ahead of his debut race weekend. “I enjoyed getting out on track for the first time as a Mercedes driver. It was great to continue building on my experience and further prepare for my debut season. I’m excited to get to Melbourne and finally start the 2025 season.”
