On the second day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, continued their preparations for the 2025 season. Despite the challenging weather conditions in Bahrain, they focused on gathering data and refining the setup of the W16. This was a significant day for the Brackley-based team, with drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli providing valuable data as they worked through a test program focused on understanding performance and reliability.
Consistent performances from Russell and Antonelli
George Russell was one of the busiest drivers on track during Thursday testing. Despite intermittent rain showers, he completed 71 laps. He finished second in the morning session with a top time of 1:29.778, showcasing solid pace despite limited run time on a dry track. Russell’s performance was consistent, and he finished fourth overall by the end of the day.
Antonelli replaced Russell for the afternoon session. He helped the team assess the reliability of the W16 over long runs. He managed 84 laps, and finished the day with a top time of 1:29.784. Antonelli finished fifth, just 0.006 seconds behind his more experienced teammate. The Italian driver’s contributions were vital in gathering data on car set-up and long-run performance, and the small gap between the two Mercedes drivers highlighted the team’s competitiveness.
Looking ahead to 2025
On the final day of testing, Mercedes focused on refining the set-up of the W16 and ensuring the reliability of their car for the upcoming season. The final day of testing was a critical one for the team, which sought to continue the fine-tuning of the W16. They aimed to maximise track time and to continue gathering the critical data required to determine the adjustments needed ahead of the season opener in Australia.
The third day of testing was a productive day for Mercedes with George Russell topping the timesheets with a 1:29.545. His teammate, Antonelli, on the other hand, finished tenth, 1.343s behind.
Shovlin pleased after “solid” pre-season testing in Bahrain
Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin described the three days of pre-season testing as “solid.” Though he noted that it was too early to accurately predict the team’s competitiveness in 2025, he stated that initial signs suggested that the teams had made “good steps” in a positive direction.
“We’ve had a solid three days of pre-season testing here in Bahrain.”
“The team has worked hard over the winter to improve on the weaknesses of the W15 and, from the initial signs, we seem to have made good steps in those areas with our 2025 challenger. Despite a few red flag interruptions and some rain, we’ve managed to get through most of the programme.”
“It is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth that we were able to complete the most laps of any team over the course of the test.”
“Over the next week, we will pick through that data to assess areas of improvement and to bring the most effective race car we can for the first race in Melbourne in two weeks’ time. It is of course far too early to make an accurate prediction of the competitive order. However, we can be pleased with how the test has gone and look forward to heading to Australia to begin the 2025 season.”
Russell eager for 2025 after productive pre-season
George Russell, who topped the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, was similarly enthused about the W16’s performance over the three days. He described his time on track as “productive” and added that everyone at Mercedes would be working to ensure that they were at their best in Australia.
“We’ve had a productive three days here at pre-season testing in Bahrain.”
“The team at Brackley, Brixworth, and here trackside have done a great job to have us ready for the test and rack up a significant amount of mileage.”
“We’ve had a seamless three days, and the car is running well. It is no surprise to see some of our competitors, particularly McLaren, looking strong. We’ve compiled significant data and knowledge which gives the opportunity to find further improvements ahead of Melbourne.”
“Kimi and I will be in the factory next week, driving on the simulator, and everyone will be pushing flat out to ensure we bring our best to Australia. I can’t wait to get started!”
Antonelli enjoyed “getting out on track” with Mercedes
The Mercedes rookie, Antonelli was also positive after pre-season testing, despite the challenging weather conditions and other interruptions.
Antonelli added that he enjoyed his first time on track as a full-fledged Mercedes driver and said that he looked forward to continuing his preparation for the 2025 season.
“Overall, it’s been a good three days on track here in Bahrain. It’s been a positive test, and we’ve built our knowledge of the W16 with plenty of running.”
“There were a few interruptions and red flags that delayed our programme, but we got through everything we wanted to. The conditions have also been mixed, with cold and windy conditions particularly on the first two days. That has made it even more difficult than usual to get an idea of the competitive order, but we have just focused on our own work and are pleased with what we’ve achieved.”
“We can now go away, look through the data and continue to work on how we can bring the best race car possible to the first race in Melbourne in two weeks’ time.”
“From my own perspective, I’ve enjoyed getting out on track for the first time as a Mercedes works driver. It’s been good to continue building my experience of working with the team and furthering my preparations for my rookie season. I’m excited to get to Melbourne now and get the 2025 season properly underway.”
2025 the start of a new era for Mercedes
Following the departure of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes enters a new era with Russell and Antonelli. After finishing fourth in the 2024 World Constructors’ Championship, with Russell finishing sixth in the Drivers’, the team will be aiming to rebuild. They will be hoping to have a competitive season with both drivers, as they prepare for the new era of regulations in 2026.
