P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes is entering a new era without Lewis Hamilton this year but it is not anticipating to be a favourite for victory at the Australian Grad Prix.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff indicated that the team is expecting to trail behind their main competitors at the start of the F1 season in Australia. This year marks a new beginning for Mercedes as they embark on a season without Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari, and with rookie Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell. Despite the challenges faced in the offseason, Wolff expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations and improvements made on the W16 car. Mercedes acknowledges the strong competition from Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren, but eagerly anticipates measuring their performance on the track. The team is determined to establish a new chapter of success, aiming to set new standards and achieve new aspirations in the upcoming years with the support of their entire team and fans. The Australian Grand Prix serves as an exciting starting point for Mercedes, with its challenging circuit and enthusiastic crowd setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
