George Russell drove his 2025 Mercedes challenger for the first time a day before pre-season testing in Bahrain, and offered some insight into how it felt.
Mercedes was one of the last teams to show off its proper 2025 car after taking part in the F1 75 livery launch in London a week before testing, officially revealing its W16 with a filming run around the Bahrain International Circuit.
Russell would get another go in the W16 in the afternoon part of the first day of testing, setting the second-quickest time from Lando Norris.
His Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli ran in the morning part of the day, going on to complete 78 laps and set the pace with a best lap of 1:31.428. Russell’s time was nine-tenths quicker although likely due to the drop in temperature as the day progressed.
When asked about how he felt about the new car felt on Sky Sports, the Briton said he regretted making one comment before driving his car.
George Russell regrets making comment about knowing if car will be good within first three laps
It was pointed out to Russell that he claimed the first three laps of running in a new car were crucial, as they give an indication of whether they will be competitive.
The Briton appeared to retract the comment and pointed out a specific caveat to the current test that has impacted the lap times.
“I kind of regret this comment now because everyone has asked me ‘You said this!’ but the car is performing well to be honest,” said Russell.
“We’ve got to be careful because in Bahrain it’s usually 20 degrees hotter, so without doubt this is the best it has felt in Bahrain but that’s probably the same for all 10 teams. But I’m enjoying it.”
Mercedes reportedly fixed important car problem they had in 2024 with W16
There are a lot of positive noises coming from Mercedes about their 2025 car, with the team hopeful they can challenge for victories after taking four last year.
Russell said he was ‘pleased’ with the car after driving it on the simulator, largely due to the fact that they have found a fix for their problems last year. Alex Brundle also spotted Antonelli was confident in the W16, as he hustled a lap time out of the car.
READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height
Technical director James Allison said Mercedes ‘primary focus’ was on reducing their cars reluctance to turn in at low speed and the fluctuations in performance when there is high track temperatures.
Mercedes suffered dramatically from performance swings when the track temperature changed between Saturday and Sunday last year.
