Mercedes’ performance at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season has been vastly different from last year, up until the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which unfortunately brought back some unpleasant memories.
The statistics after five races present a positive comparison to 2024: Mercedes has amassed more points (111 compared to 52), achieved three podium finishes (up from none), and is placed second in the championship, unlike last year’s fourth position.
A significant strength for Mercedes this season has been the consistency of their car—until the race in Jeddah. Throughout testing, their vehicle was recognized as the most user-friendly among the top competitors, except for occasional brake lock issues.
While this could suggest a stiffer suspension—which was apparent in Japan, where it was noticeably sparking, and in Saudi Arabia, where it seemed less comfortable—this characteristic has contributed to the strength of the Mercedes package. Overall, the driving dynamics of this year’s model have been more accommodating than prior versions, allowing George Russell to regularly finish on the podium and providing rookie Kimi Antonelli a solid foundation for gaining experience.
However, a disappointing race in Jeddah, where tire management was a significant issue against rival teams, tarnished their triple-header efforts and highlighted the team’s long-standing weakness in hot, challenging conditions. This raised questions about the actual progress made in this area, especially after a better showing in the similar Bahrain Grand Prix.
In Jeddah, both Russell and Antonelli found themselves vulnerable as they struggled in the race’s latter stages, finishing fifth and sixth after starting third and fifth. Team principal Toto Wolff described it as the “worst performance so far,” and Russell expressed confusion over the unexpected decline in competitiveness compared to Bahrain.
Factors Contributing to Mercedes’ Setback in Saudi Arabia
Mercedes’ ongoing analyses point to several issues faced during the race, starting with the warmer race conditions. The track temperature was notably 7°C higher than last year, with air temperatures also rising, increasing the stress on the car, particularly the tires. The challenge was exacerbated by using softer tire compounds compared to the previous year and the circuit’s more high-speed corners that placed additional strain on the tires.
Russell’s struggle stemmed from needing to push harder to keep pace with leading racers, causing his tires to wear out rapidly. Although Antonelli initially fell behind Russell, he managed to preserve his tires better, showcasing the potential for the car’s performance to improve if tire management issues can be addressed. Moving forward, the Miami race poses another significant challenge for Mercedes, as conditions may replicate those seen in Jeddah.
Miami Will Present New Challenges
As Mercedes prepares for the Miami race, team members acknowledge the need for improvements in tire management to avoid a repeat of the disappointing performance in Saudi Arabia. With Pirelli selecting softer tire compounds again for Miami, it will be crucial for the team to refine their approach to cope with the heat and tire degradation.
Both Wolff and trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin emphasized the importance of mastering tire management in upcoming hot races to maintain competitive positioning at the front of the grid. The upcoming race weekend will include a sprint format, adding time constraints that will necessitate thorough analysis and strategizing if they hope to return to form after a promising but challenging start to the season.
