Wolff: Clear Mercedes has 'taken a step forward'
Today at 12:21 PM
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix has come and gone, and for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, it was a tale of cautious optimism and shining debuts.
The Austrian departed Melbourne with a grin and a game plan, praising the W16's newfound stability while tipping his cap to rookie Kimi Antonelli's fearless first dance in Formula 1.
As the paddock turns its eyes to Shanghai for the next round, Wolff's reflections paint a picture of a team back on the rise – steadying its ship and unleashing a new star.
A Stable Star Rises
Last year, Mercedes' W15 was a diva – brilliant one lap, bewildering the next, its performance swinging wildly with the wind. Enter the W16, and Wolff's finally has a different tune to sing.
"We leave Australia with many positives but also a healthy dose of realism as to where we stand in the pecking order," he said in Mercedes' Chinese Grand Prix preview.
"The W16 provided a stable platform for the drivers, was less prone to swings in performance relative to the conditions than its predecessor, and at moments, showed strong enough pace to challenge at the front."
It's not just talk – George Russell's podium finish in third proved the car's indisputable potential. For a team that spent 2024 wrestling with inconsistency, this is a lifeline.
Gone are the days of chasing ghosts in the wind tunnel; the W16 feels like a foundation, not a riddle.
"It's clear we have taken a good step forward over the winter," Wolff added. "Our focus is now on unlocking more potential and adding performance. We are excited for that challenge."
Russell's Masterclass Seals the Deal
For Mercedes, last Sunday's event was a showcase of execution, and George Russell was the maestro. Starting fifth, he navigated Albert Park's chaos – rain, gravel, and all – with the poise of a veteran.
"The race itself was well-executed," Wolff beamed. "We made the right decisions at the right time to claim our first podium of the season.
"George drove a flawless race, pushing when he needed to, managing his pace to capitalise on the podium and taking advantage of the opportunities when they presented themselves.
"A top performance and just underlies his speed, maturity and intelligence."
It's the kind of drive that silences doubters – Russell, now in his fourth year with Mercedes, is hitting his stride.
Antonelli's Baptism by Fire
Antonelli's F1 race debut was less a gentle introduction and more a trial by storm. Qualifying went sideways – floor damage at Turn 6 left him starting 15th – and Melbourne's wet-dry madness didn't let up. Yet Wolff couldn't hide his admiration.
"For Kimi, he could not have asked for a more difficult task on his Grand Prix debut: starting out of position, facing extremely difficult conditions and, at times, a treacherous track," he said.
"Nevertheless, he handled everything that was thrown at him with a maturity beyond his years," Wolff continued.
"His speed when in free air was impressive and his confidence and decisiveness when overtaking were superb."
Indeed, the young gun weaved skillfully through the pack, slicing past veterans with a nerve that belied his age, eventually finishing fourth after a late charge.
"There will be challenging moments for him across the season, but we are pleased with the trajectory we are seeing from him already. P4 was a just reward," Wolff concluded.
Shanghai Beckons
Now, the focus shifts to China. The Shanghai International Circuit looms next weekend, a sprint race showdown that'll test Mercedes' newfound rhythm.
"We now head to Shanghai and look forward to returning to China after what was a remarkable Grand Prix last year," Wolff said, recalling 2024's electric return after a five-year hiatus.
"You could sense the passion and energy from the fans as F1 returned to the country for the first time in five year.
"As the world's largest automotive market, and one of the world's biggest economies, China is crucial to the sport's global footprint. I am sure this year will see another great event," he predicted.
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