Has Mercedes finally returned to form after years of struggle?

Mercedes locked out the front row in qualifying for the British Grand Prix. 

George Russell took pole position ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Lando Norris completed an all-British top three as the home favorites delighted the crowd at Silverstone.

Mercedes has floundered since the ground-effect regulations were introduced in 2022, winning just two races, a lackluster return for a team that won eight Constructors titles in a row.

Over the past couple of seasons, Mercedes has endured multiple false dawns followed by baffling race weekends chasing performance.

Russell's victory last time out in Austria came with a slice of luck, taking advantage of Max Verstappen and Norris colliding in the closing stages.

There have been signs of improvement with the Silver Arrows, as they have stood on the podium at each of the last three races.

The German team has slowly begun to understand its W15 car and methodically brought upgrades to the front wing and floor of the car over the past couple of months.

Despite the upturn in form, both championships are out of reach for Mercedes, but it should be in contention for more victories in 2024.

Sunday's Grand Prix at Silverstone could indicate whether Mercedes is finally back at the sharp end of the field. 

Both cars can take victory, and a one-two finish would be their first since 2022 in Brazil at a circuit Hamilton has won a record eight times.

The regulations will remain stable for 2025, allowing Mercedes to develop its car and match Red Bull from the start of the season instead of catching up halfway through the year and having no chance of batting for the championships.