Mercedes is encouraged by their positive beginning to the Formula 1 season. They describe their car as `much more predictable` this year. However, the team believes the true competitive order at the front of the grid will only become apparent after the upcoming series of three races.
For the first time in the current ground-effect regulations, Mercedes has achieved podium finishes in the first two races of the season. This is a milestone they last reached at the start of 2021. George Russell secured third place in both the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix.
With rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli achieving fourth and sixth place finishes in his first two Formula 1 races, Mercedes enters the Japanese Grand Prix weekend in second place in the Constructors` Championship. They are currently 21 points behind McLaren, who are leading the standings and considered title favorites.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes` trackside engineering director, commented in a team video that they have demonstrated a car that performs well across different types of circuits.
He added, though, that McLaren appears to be the team to outperform. He acknowledged Max Verstappen`s speed and noted that Ferrari also seems closely competitive, despite experiencing some misfortune in recent races.
Shovlin stated that the competition at the front is tight. Mercedes is actively working on car development to reduce the gap, particularly to McLaren.
He further mentioned the team`s excitement in starting the season with a well-performing and enjoyable car for the drivers. He highlighted the improved predictability of the car and expressed optimism for the rest of the season.
Despite securing four race wins last season with Russell and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes finished fourth in the Constructors` Championship, their lowest position since 2012. This was largely due to the car`s inconsistent performance based on track characteristics and weather conditions.
In contrast, George Russell has consistently finished within the top five in every qualifying and race session this season.
Significance of the First Triple Header in F1 2025
Formula 1 is now heading to the Suzuka circuit in Japan, marking the beginning of the first triple header of the season. This will be followed by consecutive races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East.
Shovlin assessed these upcoming events, starting with Suzuka, which he described as a fantastic, flowing, and fast track, considered a favorite by many drivers. He noted it would be rookie Kimi Antonelli`s first experience at this challenging circuit.
Regarding Bahrain, he mentioned their familiarity with the track from testing and anticipated they would be competitive for podium finishes. For Saudi Arabia, he described it as a smooth street circuit with relatively new tarmac, presenting its own unique challenges. He concluded that after these five races, a clearer picture of the true competitive order should emerge.
Japanese GP 2025 Schedule
Thursday, April 3
- 5am: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday, April 4
- 3am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3.30am)
- 5.30am: Team Principals` Press Conference
- 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)
- 8.15am: The F1 Show
Saturday, April 5
- 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)
- 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up
- 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying
- 9am: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, April 6
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- 9am: Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is heading to Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.
Wesley Dunham 
Gilbert Pendleton