Mercedes F1: The W16 Sets the Pace for the Season

Mercedes F1: The W16 Sets the Pace for the Season

18/03/2025

Mercedes’ W16 shows real promise as Russell secures a podium and rookie Antonelli stuns with a stellar debut, marking a strong start.

In Melbourne, Mercedes made a strong statement with the new W16, a car that is significantly more stable and consistent than last year’s model.

This Australian weekend showcased two standout performances: George Russell secured the team’s first podium of the season with a controlled and intelligent drive to third place, while Kimi Antonelli stunned the paddock by climbing from 16th on the grid to an impressive fourth in his Formula 1 debut.

However, team principal Toto Wolff remains measured:

“We leave Australia with optimism but also a realistic view of our position in the hierarchy.”

According to him, the focus is now on unlocking the W16’s full potential:

“This car provides a solid foundation for our drivers and, unlike last season, maintains more consistent performance regardless of conditions. We’ve clearly made a step forward this winter. Now, our priority is to unleash its full potential and continue improving. It’s an exciting challenge that the entire team is ready to take on.”

Wolff also praised his drivers’ execution in Australia:

On Russell:

“George delivered a flawless race—attacking when necessary, managing his pace strategically, and seizing opportunities at the right moments. It was a high-level performance that showcased his speed, maturity, and intelligence.”

On Antonelli’s F1 debut:

“Kimi faced a tough challenge, starting out of position on a tricky track. Yet, he handled every situation with remarkable composure for his age. His pace was impressive, and his confidence in overtaking stood out. There will be difficult moments throughout the season, but we are very encouraged by his trajectory. His fourth place was well deserved.”

Now, Mercedes turns its focus to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai:

“We’re excited to return to China after last year’s fantastic race. The passion from the fans was incredible after five years away. As the world’s largest automotive market and a key player in the global economy, China is essential to Formula 1’s growth. I’m certain this year will once again be a special event,” Wolff concluded.

Mercedes' Big Step: W16 Impresses, Antonelli Makes Waves

Mercedes’ Big Step: W16 Impresses, Antonelli Makes Waves Mercedes’ Big Step: W16 Impresses, Antonelli Makes Waves

Race Center
China Flag
Chinese GP
21 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025
Free Practice 1
21 MAR 03:30 - 04:30
Sprint Qual
21 MAR 07:30 - 08:14
Sprint Race
22 MAR 03:00 - 04:00
Qualifying
22 MAR 07:00 - 08:00
Race
23 MAR 07:00 - 09:00

2025 F1 Australian Grand Prix - Race Results

Lando Norris
1
LANDO
NORRIS
57
Max Verstappen
2
MAX
VERSTAPPEN
+0.895s
George Russell
3
GEORGE
RUSSELL
+8.481s
Alex Albon
4
ALEX
ALBON
+12.773s
Kimi Antonelli
5
KIMI
ANTONELLI
+15.135s
Lance Stroll
6
LANCE
STROLL
+17.413s
Nico Hulkenberg
7
NICO
HULKENBERG
+18.423s
Charles Leclerc
8
CHARLES
LECLERC
+19.826s
Oscar Piastri
9
OSCAR
PIASTRI
+20.448s
Lewis Hamilton
10
LEWIS
HAMILTON
+22.473s
Pierre Gasly
11
PIERRE
GASLY
+26.502s
Yuki Tsunoda
12
YUKI
TSUNODA
+29.884s
Esteban Ocon
13
ESTEBAN
OCON
+33.161s
Oliver Bearman
14
OLIVER
BEARMAN
+40.351s
Liam Lawson
15
LIAM
LAWSON
47 DNF
Gabriel Bortoleto
16
GABRIEL
BORTOLETO
47 DNF
Fernando Alonso
17
FERNANDO
ALONSO
34 DNF
Carlos Sainz
18
CARLOS
SAINZ
0 DNF
Jack Doohan
19
JACK
DOOHAN
0 DNF
Isack Hadjar
20
ISACK
HADJAR
0 DNF
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race
Date
Chinese Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japanese Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Sakhir desert
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
United States Flag
United States
Miami
04 May

2025 FORMULA 1 DRIVERS' WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Lando Norris
1
LANDO
NORRIS
25 Points
Max Verstappen
2
MAX
VERSTAPPEN
18
George Russell
3
GEORGE
RUSSELL
15
Alex Albon
4
ALEX
ALBON
12
Kimi Antonelli
5
KIMI
ANTONELLI
10
Lance Stroll
6
LANCE
STROLL
8
Nico Hulkenberg
7
NICO
HULKENBERG
6
Charles Leclerc
8
CHARLES
LECLERC
4
Oscar Piastri
9
OSCAR
PIASTRI
2
Lewis Hamilton
10
LEWIS
HAMILTON
1

2025 FORMULA 1 CONSTRUCTORS' WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

1
McLaren
27
2
Mercedes
25
3
Red Bull
18
4
Williams
12
5
Aston Martin
8
6
Sauber
6
7
Ferrari
5
8
Alpine F1
0
9
Haas F1
0
10
Racing Bulls
0
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