Mercedes is feeling positive about their start to the Formula 1 season, noting their car is now `much more predictable`. However, they believe the true competitive order at the front of the grid will only become apparent after the upcoming series of three races.
For the first time in the current ground-effect regulations, Mercedes has achieved consecutive podium finishes at the start of a season – a success they last saw at the beginning of 2021. George Russell secured third place in both the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix.
With rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli achieving fourth and sixth place finishes in his first two races, Mercedes enters the Japanese Grand Prix weekend holding second position in the Constructors` Championship. They are currently 21 points behind McLaren, who are leading the championship and considered title favorites.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, mentioned in a team video that they have demonstrated a car that performs well across different types of circuits.
He also commented that McLaren appears to be the team to beat, acknowledging Max Verstappen`s speed and noting Ferrari`s strong performance despite recent misfortunes.
“It`s a very close competition at the front,” Shovlin stated. “We are focused on developing the car to close the gap, especially to McLaren.”
Shovlin added that it`s encouraging to begin the season with a well-performing car that the drivers enjoy. He emphasized the improved predictability of the car and expressed optimism for the rest of the season.
Despite securing four race wins last season with Russell and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes finished fourth in the Constructors` Championship, their lowest since 2012. This was largely due to the car`s inconsistent performance based on track and weather conditions.
This season, however, Russell has consistently finished within the top five in every qualifying and race session.
The F1 season is now heading to the Suzuka circuit in Japan, the first race in a triple-header, followed by races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Shovlin assessed these upcoming races, describing Suzuka as a fantastic, fast, and flowing track, favored by many drivers. He noted it would be rookie Antonelli`s first experience at this challenging circuit.
Looking ahead to Bahrain, a familiar testing location, he hopes for continued podium contention. Saudi Arabia, a smooth street circuit with new tarmac, presents its own unique challenges. He believes that after these five races, a clearer picture of the competitive hierarchy will emerge.
