There may be nonetheless concern that Mercedes haven’t absolutely tackled the issues that blighted the previous three years, it has been claimed.
Mercedes will launch the W16 for the 2025 F1 season, their first since Lewis Hamilton’s exit.
Though the season will likely be dominated by their new post-Hamilton period, the important thing matter will likely be whether or not Mercedes have understood what went fallacious since 2021.
DOWNLOAD CRASH F1 PODCAST HERE
“I wouldn’t be assured to say that they perceive what’s occurring,” Lewis Larkam advised the Crash F1 podcast.
“For a number of seasons they’ve been going round in circles, attempting to get their heads round these laws, and the way precisely to get the perfect out of those vehicles.
“McLaren are an apparent instance – we’ve seen them go from the again of the sector to understanding their automotive, and the way it works, and growing themselves to the entrance.
“Mercedes haven’t been ready to do this. We’ve seen fluctuations for 2 seasons.”
Las Vegas proof of Mercedes’ woes
“Generally they’re sturdy, they’re the group to beat, however they don’t appear to grasp why.
“I believe again to Las Vegas final yr – George Russell dominated the race weekend, Lewis Hamilton got here second regardless of beginning decrease on the grid. It confirmed how a lot efficiency they’d on that weekend.
“However we didn’t see that on a week-by-week foundation. It was helped by cooler monitor temperatures which was one of many uncommon strengths of their automotive.
“Discovering a solution? We’re not at that time but. Toto Wolff says they’re nonetheless anticipating to see fluctuations.
“That doesn’t give off an excellent impression that they’ve on prime, and that they perceive the right way to make their automotive a extra constant front-runner.
“I don’t assume they’ve the reply, in the intervening time. That’s clear from Toto staying quiet about speaking up their possibilities.
“I’m not assured that they absolutely know what their points are.”
Three-time F1 grand prix winner Russell will turn into Mercedes’ senior driver in Hamilton’s absence this yr.
Staff boss Wolff made the daring determination to pick teenage rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s substitute.
How the proficient Antonelli fares in his first season in F1 will stay a sizzling matter of debate all yr.
