Mercedes proves its W16 can finally perform under pressure, with Russell’s P2 finish showing real progress in high-heat race conditions.
The W16 is shaping up to be the car Mercedes has been waiting for.
Mercedes-AMG F1 exceeded expectations at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with George Russell securing a strong P2 finish on pure pace — a welcome surprise on a track that’s typically been tough for them.
Since ground effect regulations came into play in 2022, hot and abrasive circuits like Sakhir haven’t suited Mercedes. But this time, the new W16 rose to the challenge — and that’s a big deal, according to Team Principal Toto Wolff.
“This was one of the races we feared most,” Wolff admitted. “The high temperatures, the bumpy surface, the tyre degradation — all of it usually works against us.”
“Yet we qualified P2 and P4, and finished solidly on the podium. That’s better than we had hoped. Of course, a race only truly feels successful when you win it, but given the circumstances, this was a big step forward.”
The real breakthrough? The W16 didn’t just survive the heat — it thrived in it.
“It’s the first time in a while we’ve had a car that’s genuinely competitive in these kinds of conditions. That’s huge for us.”
Still, there’s no ignoring McLaren — running the same power unit, yet currently ahead on overall performance.
“They’ve done a fantastic job. When you look at where they were a year ago in Bahrain — sixth and eighth — and where they are now, it shows how quickly things can turn around.”
“In the race, we were probably still missing a few tenths. I’m not sure how it would’ve played out had we switched to mediums instead of softs at the end, but McLaren just got everything right.”
“They’ve got a well-balanced car, great tyre management, and they’re nailing the engineering side. Plus, that power unit is working beautifully for them.”
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Mercedes Tames the Heat as W16 Shines in Bahrain Mercedes Tames the Heat as W16 Shines in Bahrain
Mercedes Tames the Heat as W16 Shines in Bahrain Mercedes Tames the Heat as W16 Shines in Bahrain
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