First pictures: New Mercedes W16 makes its debut on track

One day after revealing the first images of its new W16 chassis for 2025, Mercedes has given the real thing its first outing on track.

Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free

George Russell drove the team’s latest car at the Bahrain International Circuit. All 10 F1 teams are due to begin the sole pre-season test at the track tomorrow.

Team principal Toto Wolff said Mercedes has prioritised removing the inconsistencies which plagued its performance last season. “We have to be realistic, always,” he said. “We’ve been very good at times, we won a few races last year, but overall the performances weren’t stable enough.

“So this is what we are looking at. I’m always a glass half-empty guy rather than too optimistic.”

Having won eight consecutive world championships before the current regulations were introduced, Mercedes have only taken five grand prix victories since then, a record Wolff is eager to improve.

“It’s been a few years now into these regulations and the car was never, never happy,” he said. “The drivers felt it was unpredictable, so this is the main area that we concentrated on: To make a car that’s a little bit better in the low-speed corners whilst not handicapping us in the high-speed.”

It is the beginning of a new era for the team as seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is no longer with them. However Wolff said the team is gelling well with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has taken Hamilton’s place.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

“It’s a bit unusual not seeing Lewis rock up in the garage,” he admitted, “it’s been a while.

“But Kimi is such a great value to the team, the dynamic is so positive. I see a bit of a new buzz going through the team because it’s new. We’re very much looking forward to see how he performs.”