Russell pinpoints McLaren as the strongest-looking team after pre-season testing
Having made a strong impression during the three-day pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, George Russell sounded a positive note when assessing Mercedes' W16's performance and reliability.
Mercedes completed the three-day pre-season testing which took place in Bahrain. The Brackley-based outfit noted that the winter testing was "a positive three-day programme," in which the team completed more laps that any other team with a total of 458.
And despite delays for a power outage, a shuttle bus on the track and a shattered pane of glass on the start-finish line, the eight-time F1 world champion team will now return the UK with valuable information to debrief.
Russell complete a total of 232 laps over the course of the three days and ended the final day with the quickest time.
“We’ve had a productive three days here at pre-season testing in Bahrain. The team at Brackley, Brixworth, and here trackside have done a great job to have us ready for the test and rack up a significant amount of mileage.
"We’ve had a seamless three days, and the car is running well. It is no surprise to see some of our competitors, particularly McLaren, looking strong. We’ve compiled significant data and knowledge which gives the opportunity to find further improvements ahead of
“Melbourne. Kimi and I will be in the factory next week, driving on the simulator, and everyone will be pushing flat out to ensure we bring our best to Australia. I can’t wait to get started," Russell concluded.
His new team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli racked up a total of 226 laps ahead of his debut season at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Bologna-born driver insisted that Mercedes was able to complete the entire plan it had set out ahead of testing.
“Overall, it’s been a good three days on track here in Bahrain. It’s been a positive test, and we’ve built our knowledge of the W16 with plenty of running. There were a few interruptions and red flags that delayed our programme, but we got through everything we wanted to.
“The conditions have also been mixed, with cold and windy conditions particularly on the first two days. That has made it even more difficult than usual to get an idea of the competitive order, but we have just focused on our own work and are pleased with what we’ve achieved.
"We can now go away, look through the data and continue to work on how we can bring the best race car possible to the first race in Melbourne in two weeks’ time.
“From my own perspective, I’ve enjoyed getting out on track for the first time as a Mercedes works driver. It’s been good to continue building my experience of working with the team and furthering my preparations for my rookie season. I’m excited to get to Melbourne now and get the 2025 season properly under way," concluded Antonelli.
