George Russell has admitted it is “quite a stretch” to expect Mercedes to be in title contention in Formula 1 in 2025, despite being satisfied with his initial laps in the W16.
Russell heads into the upcoming campaign, his fourth with Mercedes, recognised as the team leader with Andrea Kimi Antonelli replacing Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari.
The Briton divulged that Mercedes has been more thorough than ever with its processes over the winter as it bids to overcome the issues that have plagued it in this rules era.
Despite managing four victories in 2024, the German marque dropped to fourth place as it struggled with an inconsistent W15 car which proved sensitive to the conditions.
Russell got the chance to sample the W16 prior to pre-season testing in Bahrain, but he remained reticent regarding his opening indication about the new Mercedes.
“I’ve definitely got some first impressions, which I’ll keep to myself for now which I will keep to myself for now,” Russell said.
“It’s important not to jump to any conclusions because we know from last year, circuit to circuit, the performance fluctuations were massive from all of the teams.
“From what I feel so far, I’m happy.”
Russell cautious on Mercedes title hopes
Russell acknowledged that Mercedes beginning the campaign in the hunt for the championship is a tough ask based on the gap it held to those ahead last season.
Asked about Mercedes’ title prospects, Russell replied: “You always say you want to fight for a championship but, being realistic and knowing where we finished last year, that’s quite a stretch.
“But we know that if we go in every single weekend and we try to maximise every single result, who knows where that will take us?
“I’m just going into every race as though it’s a race we can win and seeing where that takes us over the course of the season.”
Antonelli arrival has energised Mercedes
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed that it has been “unusual” to commence a new season without Hamilton, but he insisted Antonelli’s arrival has revitalised the team.
“Kimi is of such great value to the team, the dynamic is so positive and I see a bit of a new buzz going through the team,” the Austrian added.
“Both of them are great – between George’s experience and Kimi’s freshness, we’re in a good spot.”
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