Writing the next chapter: Mercedes' Melbourne mission begins

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Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is ready to steer his team into uncharted territory as the 2025 Formula 1 season roars to life at the Australian Grand Prix.

For the Brackley squad's long-standing team principal, this Melbourne opener is more than a race – it's a launchpad to the next chapter in the Brackley squad's remarkable history. And Wolff sees Formula 1's curtain-raiser at Albert Park as the start of something monumental.

The stakes are high, and Wolff knows it'll take a village to chase those dreams.

"It's an exciting time as we build upon the incredible legacy of the Mercedes brand in motorsport. We will be striving to set new benchmarks and fulfil new dreams in the years ahead," commented the Austrian in the team's Australian Grand Prix preview.

From the drivers tearing up the track to the engineers tinkering in Brackley and Brixworth, every cog in the Mercedes machine – fans included – will fuel the outfit's quest.

"That will take every single one of us," he added. "That journey is the inspiration for our season launch film.

"It is a celebration of everything that makes Mercedes what it is: Innovation; Pushing the boundaries; The pioneering spirit of our founders. The same DNA that drives us forward today."

As the team rolls into Melbourne, that DNA powers a fresh chapter – one Wolff believes will echo through F1 for years.

Rising Stars and Rugged Rivals

Mercedes' charge this year is led by a fresh dynamic duo: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, two homegrown talents from the manufacturer's programme that combine experience, youth and raw speed.

"It is an exciting duo that will lead us into our next era," Wolff said, but the road ahead isn't smooth.

"As a team, we had an uphill challenge over the winter. Our competitors finished 2024 strongly and we know that Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren in particular, should have a performance advantage over us initially."

"We can be pleased with the work we have done in the off-season, and the test in Bahrain. Both drivers commented favourably on the W16 after the three days, and we seem to have made improvements," he said.

"We will certainly begin to get a clearer picture on that this weekend."

Melbourne's Magic Moment

As a vibrant and colorful venue, and as a challenging track, Melbourne has always ranked high among teams, drivers and fans alike. Wolff's love for Melbourne shines through.

"Australia is always a great place for a race," he said. "The fans are always out in force and Melbourne is a fantastic venue to kick off the new season.

"I remember my first race with the team there in 2013; we held a photoshoot with our drivers on St Kilda Beach and there was a palpable sense of renewed energy."

That buzz still lingers, making it the perfect spot to start anew.

"There is also always a start of term feel in the paddock and it therefore feels like an appropriate location to launch our next chapter," Wolff mused. "And we are excited for what lies ahead."

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