George Russell has revealed Mercedes has “some things in the locker” that will help to cure the weaknesses that have remained embedded in the team’s W16 Formula 1 car.
Mercedes is endeavouring to improve upon an inconsistent campaign in 2024 with a capricious package where the conditions dictated the side’s overall competitiveness.
The pre-season test in Bahrain indicated that Mercedes has made a step, though the cooler temperatures masked whether it has addressed its struggles in hot temperatures.
However, Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin insisted the team has still deciphered that it has remedied the issues that hamstrung its W15 predecessor.
Russell, though, admitted that the balance deficiencies that were deep rooted within its previous car have retained a lingering presence in the squad’s latest challenger.
But the Briton, who partners rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli this season, teased that Mercedes has developments in the pipeline tailored towards dialling that out of the W16.
“There’s definitely improvements throughout the car, no doubt about it,” Russell told the BBC. “Naturally, there’s always something you need to work on.
“So, you know, we struggled a bit with low-speed understeer last year.
“There’s still signs of that that we’re still trying to get on top of, and we think we’ve got some things in the locker to try and cure those issues.
“But definitely the car’s feeling a bit more together.”
Russell admits Mercedes not on McLaren’s level
Russell has echoed the general consensus within the paddock that reigning champions McLaren go into the opening race in Australia next weekend as the favourite.
“I don’t think either of us [Mercedes or Red Bull] right now have a car that potentially is capable of beating the McLaren,” he assessed.
“McLaren, without doubt, look by far the strongest,” he added. “Especially their race pace looks pretty impressive.”
But although he doubts the German marque can challenge its engine customer, Russell believes Mercedes is better-equipped to make a strong start than previous seasons.
“I want to say thank you once again for all the hard work and dedication over these last few months, because I know this period is flat out for everyone and bringing the car forward, definitely making that step what we wanted to see coming into this year,” Russell addressed in a speech to Mercedes personnel.
“So I’m feeling excited and confident for the first race. Not saying we’re going to be fighting straightaway for victories but hoping to be in that fight for a podium and see how we can progress as this year goes on.”
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