The promising Mercedes level in Bahrain for the future?

At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Mercedes asserted himself as the closest stable to McLaren, both in qualifying and racing. Second on arrival despite major electronic problems, George Russell confirmed his excellent start to the season with a third podium in four weekends, installing the Brackley team a little more in second place in the manufacturer championship. And this despite the absence of his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the top 10, a first in 2025.

The return to the track which had been the scene of private tests, and with a very abrasive asphalt, was seen as a justice of the peace by Mercedes, and as an essential indicator of the rest of his season. Questioned by Motorsport.com On this life -size test, Toto Wolff was satisfied and reassured.

“We expected Bahrain to be one of the most difficult circuits for us, due to the high temperature and the very grainy and rough track”explains the director of the stable. “We qualified second and fourth. We had a solid car capable of getting on the podium, and it is better than what we expected. We can not say a great prize that it is a success than if we win it, but in these circumstances, we can say that it was much better than expected.”

George Russell’s latest relay does not offer a clear reading of the performance differential compared to McLaren, because the Briton was fitted with tender tires which he had to spare, in addition to managing his electronic troubles impacting the braking and the use of the DRS. But the signals are clearly positive.

“If we look where McLaren was [à Bahreïn] Last year, we can see how fast we can reverse the steam “reschedule toto wolff. “We were probably missing a few tenths. I do not know how efficient we would have been with the mediums at the end. When a car is efficient like the McLaren, it changes everything. It is excellent engineering: they have performance in the chassis and they can better manage the tires than any other. And they have an excellent engine …”

Toto Wolff is also delighted with the level displayed by George Russell, which should also speed up negotiations on his contract extension.

“We had a sudden failure of the electric braking system, and it took a while to find the settings and reset them”he specifies. “And then he managed the system while having Norris behind him. Honestly, it was incredible piloting.”

Interview by Filip Cleeren