After Bahrain highs and rookie lessons, Mercedes shifts focus to Jeddah, where another podium push awaits on a very different track.
After a dramatic race in Bahrain, Mercedes leaves with a strong podium finish thanks to George Russell’s impressive drive — but the team isn’t shying away from its mistakes.
Despite technical issues plaguing the car, Russell managed to secure second place, marking his third podium of the season. Team Principal Toto Wolff praised both the driver and the crew for staying cool under pressure.
“Bahrain was an eventful race,” Wolff said. “George fought through several car issues to finish P2 — his third podium this year, and a huge boost for the team. It was an excellent drive from him, supported by calm and focused work from everyone on the pit wall.”
The team is now analyzing the problems that arose to ensure they don’t come back to haunt them in future races.
For rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bahrain was a valuable learning experience — though not the result he had hoped for.
“Kimi showed strong pace all weekend and looked set to challenge for the top five. But after a tough first lap and tire struggles during the early stints, things didn’t go our way,” Wolff explained.
A mid-race strategy shift, followed by bad luck with the timing of the safety car, ended his hopes of fighting back into the points.
“Given his performance, it’s easy to forget how early Kimi is in his F1 journey. Bahrain will be a key chapter in his development.”
Looking ahead, Mercedes is staying cautious but optimistic as the team heads to the fast and flowing streets of Jeddah for the final leg of the triple-header.
“While we’re pleased with what we achieved in Bahrain, Jeddah is a whole different challenge,” said Wolff. “It’s a front-limited track with high- and mid-speed corners — very different to Bahrain. Predicting the pecking order would be foolish, but our target remains the same: we’re here to fight for another podium.”
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From Bahrain Battle to Jeddah Chase: Merc Pushes On From Bahrain Battle to Jeddah Chase: Merc Pushes On