When Formula 1 schedule begins this weekend in Melbourne, a new season of the sport, a new era for Mercedes.
Silver Arrows began in the year as driver pairings alongside George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with some pit stall downs being Lewis Hamilton, the driver who was awarded the eight-constructor championship.
He appears in his first season with Ferrari.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari is one of the major stories to watch this season, as is Mercedes' new dawn. Speaking in a media preview of the Australian Grand Prix team, Team Principal Totowolf worked on the “next chapter” of the team's legacy.
“I will write the opening line for the next chapter at the Australian Grand Prix. Based on the incredible legacy of Motorsport's Mercedes brand, it's an exciting time,” says Wolff. “We strive to set new benchmarks and realize new dreams over the next few years. From drivers to mechanics to engineers, everyone at Blackley and Brixworth, and of course fans, we need each and every one of us.
“That journey is the inspiration for our seasonal films. It's a celebration of everything that makes Mercedes what it is: innovation. Push the boundary. The pioneering spirit of our founder. The same DNA that drives us forward today. Two home-grown talents of junior program alumni, George and Kimi have a strong driver lineup that combine experience, youth and raw speed. It's an exciting duo that will take us into the next era. ”
Wolf pointed out that Mercedes may be behind their three biggest rivals to start the year, but he believes the team has a good foundation with W16, the challenger for the 2025 season.
As a team, we had a difficult winter challenge. Competitors are strongly closing 2024, and Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren in particular know that they should have performance benefits at first. I am pleased with the work I did in the offseason and the testing in Bahrain,” Wolf continued. “Both drivers made a positive comment on the W16 three days later, but it appears to have improved. Of course, what's important is how they measure against the stopwatch compared to their competitors. This weekend we will certainly start taking clear pictures of that.”
Like many people in the sport, Wolf has a special attachment to the Australian Grand Prix. The fans on the circuit welcome drivers to the “Melbourne Walk” tracks, and the circuit itself, the Wolf and Mercedes coming to Melbourne.
“Australia has always been the best place to race. The circuit is difficult for drivers and it's a real test of the car. Fans are always in force and Melbourne is a great venue to start a new season. I remember my first race with the team in 2013. We held a photo shoot with the driver at St Kilda Beach, and there was an obvious sense of new energy,” Wolff said. “There is always a beginning for the semester atmosphere in Paddock, so it feels like the right place to launch the next chapter.
“As George said last, [Mercedes launch] Movie: “This is just the beginning.” And we're excited about what's ahead. ”
