Three days of testing before Formula one season are featured in the book, and a new era for Mercedes has officially begun.
The new Mercedes driver pairing of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, covered in red for Lewis Hamilton's first season at Ferrari, concluded a three-day preseason test at the Bahrain International Circuit. On the third day, I drew close together with Russell on the timing sheet, and posted a 1:29.545 lap time on the C3 compound. That time was also enough for the fourth in the three-day test, behind Carlos Sainz Jr., Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Mercedes Pares banked 458 laps over three days in most Bahrain of any team.
After three days of work, both Russell and Antonelli, along with Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Schoblin, sounded positive in their ratings.
“Here in Bahrain, we have solid three days of preseason testing. The team has worked hard throughout the winter to improve the weaknesses of the W15, and from the first signs it appears they have taken a good step in these areas along with the 2025 challengers. Despite some red flag interruptions and rain, we were able to get through most of the program. It is a testament to the efforts of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth, and we were able to complete the most laps of any team in the course of the testing,” said Shovlin.
“Next week we will select that data to assess areas of improvement and bring in the most effective race car in our first race in Melbourne within two weeks. Of course, it is too early to accurately predict the order of competition. But we are pleased with how the tests progressed and look forward to heading to Australia to begin the 2025 season,” added the Mercedes Engineering Director.
“We spent three days productive in preseason testing here in Bahrain. The teams at Brackley, Brixworth and Here Trackside did an amazing job of getting a fair amount of mileage ready. We had three seamless days and the cars are running well. It's no surprise to see some of our competitors, especially McLaren, look strong,” Russell said. “We've put together some important data and knowledge that will give you the opportunity to find further improvements ahead of Melbourne. You and I will be driving a simulator next week in the factory. Everyone will flat out and do their best for Australia. I can't wait to get started!”
As for Antoneri, he described his first pre-Formula One Test as “positive.”
“Overall, we're on a three-day trajectory here in Bahrain. It's a positive test and we've built up the knowledge of W16 in a lot of running. There were some interruptions and red flags that delayed our program, but we got through everything we wanted. Also, the conditions are mixed, especially for the first two days,” Antonelli said. “It made it even more difficult than usual to get the idea of a competition order, but we are focused on our work and are pleased with what we have achieved. Now we can leave, look at the data and continue to work on how we can bring the best possible race cars to our first race in Melbourne within two weeks.
” From my own perspective, I enjoy being on track for the first time as a Mercedes Works driver. It was good to continue working with the team and building experience to promote preparation for the rookie season. I'm now going to Melbourne and excited to make the 2025 season go right. ”
The team currently takes less than two weeks to prepare for the Australian Grand Prix, which opens its season.
