P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell is confident Mercedes has avoided falling into development traps with its new Formula 1 car.
Since the ground effect rules were introduced in 2022, Mercedes has faced ongoing development challenges. In 2024, their season had both highs and lows, with Russell claiming a surprise win in Austria, and Hamilton securing victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Prior to these successes, Mercedes struggled as the fourth-fastest team, but Russell’s win in Las Vegas demonstrated the W15’s potential. The team has focused on fine-tuning their setup to maximize performance. Russell has expressed confidence in the team’s new approach for 2025, emphasizing a proactive strategy to tackle development issues before they arise. Additionally, Mercedes is prioritizing thorough analysis to avoid repeating past mistakes and ensure a competitive season moving forward.
