Mercedes Lands in Japan With Great Expectations

Mercedes comes to the Land of the Rising Sun second in the standings. The team had two consecutive podiums with George Russell in the past two races.

Having a solid race in Japan can help Toto Wolff and the rest of his team to understand their role in the following part of this year’s Championship.

Podium Hopes

The W16 is a real surprise this year. Last year, Mercedes closed the season fourth in the standings, but the hard work during the winter break seems to pay off.

Their car shows stability and speed, coming out from the races in Australia and China with good results.

But Suzuka will highlight how effective it is.

The high-speed corners and different heights are quite the challenge for both the drivers and the cars. So, the ones that can adapt to these conditions can face any other circuit.

Despite the good start to the season, Mercedes has emphasised the necessity of continual car development to fight for the Constructors’ Championship.

On the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff said:

“We will aim to build on our solid start of the season in this triple-header. The W16 has so far proved to be a stable and consistent platform, offering the drivers safety and control. This landed two good performances in Australia and China, marking our best start of the season since 2021.”

Wolff, however, hinted that there aren’t new updates for the W16:

“We know, however, that we still have to find more competitiveness to fight for victory. Development is an ongoing process and, as we work to improve the car, our goal for the upcoming races will be to maximise current potential.”

A Strong Driver Pairing

Suzuka Circuit is an interesting but difficult track to navigate.

If it is a challenge for more experienced drivers, one can only imagine how it is for a rookie. Even if the rookie is Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

This season, Antonelli is surprising everyone with his performances.

The Italian has achieved points finishes in both races of the 2025 season thus far. Antonelli was fourth in Australia and sixth in China, with a score of 22 points total.

When asked about his youngest driver, Wolff answered:

“Suzuka is a track which requires great precision and sensitivity, both for the driver and the car. Even though it’s a new challenge for Kimi, he already showed to be able to adapt himself and we’re curious to see his progress”

About George Russell, the Austrian Team Principal commented about his best start of the season so far:

“He showed maturity, consistency and speed, playing the role of Mercedes top driver perfectly. In Suzuka, he will aim to proceed on this road”.

The Weekend Ahead

With everything to play for, Mercedes aims to extend its podium streak as the team intensifies its title fight with McLaren.

Russell and Antonelli, sitting third and fifth in the Drivers’ Standings, continue their push up the table.

Can they secure two podiums in Japan? Mercedes is determined to make it happen.