Mercedes is encouraged by their positive start to the new Formula 1 season, noting their car is now `much more predictable`. However, they anticipate the true competitive order at the front won`t be fully apparent until after the upcoming series of three consecutive races.
For the first time in the current ground-effect regulations, Mercedes has achieved podium finishes in the first two races of the season – a result they last accomplished at the beginning of 2021. George Russell secured third place in both Australia and China.
With rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli achieving fourth and sixth-place finishes in his first two races, Mercedes enters the Japanese Grand Prix weekend in second place in the Constructors` Championship. They are currently 21 points behind McLaren, the early leaders and favorites for the title.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes` trackside engineering director, commented in the team`s recent debrief video from Shanghai: `We have demonstrated that our car performs well across various circuits.`
He added, `However, it`s also clear that McLaren is likely the team to beat. Max Verstappen is very quick, and Ferrari appears to be close behind, despite experiencing some misfortune in recent races.`
`The competition at the front is very tight. We are working diligently to introduce developments to the car because we believe it`s necessary to close the gap, especially to McLaren.`
Shovlin further stated: `It`s exciting to begin a season with a car that is performing well and that the drivers enjoy driving. It is much more predictable, and we are optimistic about the rest of the season.`
Despite securing four race wins last season with Russell and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes finished fourth in the Constructors` Championship. This was their lowest position since 2012, largely due to their car`s inconsistent performance based on track characteristics and weather conditions.
In contrast, George Russell has consistently finished within the top five in every qualifying and race session so far this season.
Significance of the First Triple Header in F1 2025
Formula 1 is now heading to the renowned Suzuka circuit in Japan, which marks the start of the season`s first triple header. Following Japan, there will be consecutive races in the Middle East, specifically in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Shovlin assessed the upcoming three events: `Suzuka is a fantastic, very flowing, and fast track.`
`Many drivers consider it their favorite on the calendar. However, it will be Kimi`s first time there, which is a significant challenge for a young driver in only his third race. But he is enthusiastic about driving there.`
`Next is Bahrain, a track we are familiar with from testing. It presents its own set of challenges, but we hope to be competitive for podium finishes. Then we proceed to Saudi Arabia, a smooth street circuit with relatively new asphalt, which also brings unique challenges. These three circuits are very different from each other.`
`By the time we complete these five races, we should have a clearer understanding of the true competitive order.`
Japanese GP 2025 Schedule
Thursday April 3
- 5am: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday April 4
- 3am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3.30am)
- 5.30am: Team Principals` Press Conference
- 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)
- 8.15am: The F1 Show
Saturday April 5
- 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)
- 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up
- 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying
- 9am: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday April 6
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- 9am: Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
