Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has reworked its plans for the 2025 season, with driver George Russell revealing that significant changes are in store for its next car, the W16. The decision comes after the team’s recent struggles post-summer break prompted a thorough review of the current W15’s design and performance.
Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Russell shared insights into the team’s revised strategy after a productive three-week break, during which Mercedes took a deeper dive into their car’s underlying issues. “These three weeks off have been great because it’s allowed us all to take a step back and reassess the car as a whole—also looking into next year,” said Russell. “We’ve definitely uncovered a few things that we want to be changing going into next year.”
Russell emphasized that the opportunity to reassess the car outside of the season’s race demands enabled the team to focus on long-term improvements. “When you’re in the midst of a season, you sometimes don’t have that opportunity to really dig deep into the fundamentals of the car. So that’s been really positive to see.”
Mercedes is set to introduce an upgrade for this weekend’s race in Austin, Texas, which Russell hopes will deliver noticeable improvements. The team has been playing catch-up with rivals McLaren and Red Bull, and this upgrade is part of an effort to close that gap. “Obviously, we reverted with the upgrades that we brought to Spa,” Russell explained. “So effectively we’re making two steps now, and we bring this upgrade. So, we’re hoping it’s going to have quite an impact.”
Russell is cautiously optimistic about the results, particularly in qualifying. “I hope with the upgrade we can be in the fight again, at least in qualifying, and fighting for those top four places. And then in the race fighting for a podium. But realistically, we know McLaren and Lando [Norris] are a good step ahead of everyone right now.”
Lewis Hamilton echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that Mercedes had fallen slightly behind due to the timing of its upgrade cycle. “We’ve been a bit out of sequence to the others,” said Hamilton. “The others have brought upgrades at times when we haven’t. We’re bringing an upgrade here for example, and some people will bring small pieces here, but maybe not everyone will have the same upgrade that we have.”
As Mercedes continues to adjust its 2025 development plans, the team hopes these changes and upgrades will propel them back to the front of the grid. With eyes on future improvement and the introduction of a refreshed W16, the Silver Arrows are determined to return to their winning ways.
