P1racenews AI automatic summary:
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 F1 car.
Mercedes is striving to enhance its performance after a fluctuating campaign in 2024, introducing a versatile package to boost the team’s competitiveness based on varying conditions. The Bahrain pre-season test suggested progress for Mercedes, though challenges in hot weather conditions remain unclear due to cooler temperatures. Despite this, Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin is confident that the team has successfully resolved the issues that plagued its previous car. Driver Russell acknowledged lingering balance deficiencies from the past car but hinted at upcoming developments designed to address these challenges in the new W16 model. Russell, alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, expressed optimism about improvements in the car and Mercedes’ ability to compete fiercely in the upcoming season, aiming for strong starts and podium finishes, while acknowledging McLaren as the current favorite on the grid.
