Mercedes returns to winning ways in F1: their first success of 2025 came in Canada. A victory that had been missing in the top tier of motorsport since last November, when George Russell’s triumph at the Las Vegas Grand Prix brought the final joy of a season with four wins. The start of 2025 hasn’t been perfect, even though the W16 held its own in the opening races. Then came a slight dip, up until the success on Canadian soil.
A quick technical take on the W16
The Brackley team had different ambitions. It’s no secret the German squad aimed to be McLaren’s main challenger. The hope was to at least contest one of the two championships against the British team, which, however, has done a very solid and easily replicable job. Just like Ferrari, which in the coming weeks is finally expected to correct the SF-25, the German outfit also struggled.
It didn’t manage to fully optimize the project — true. But in terms of solving problems, it was quicker to identify them and attempt to patch them up. A new rear suspension debuted at Imola, a push-rod setup that underwent clear data collection, only to be shelved for two Grands Prix. Then, after Monaco and Spain, it returned in Canada, where it worked well.
Clearly, one swallow doesn’t make a summer. The effectiveness of the rear traction layout still needs to be verified, especially on a track with a different type of corner than those on Montreal’s Île Notre-Dame circuit: high-speed, loaded bends. It’s a test in which Mercedes will also assess the performance of the other recent updates on the silver-colored car.
F1, Austrian GP 2025: a key test for Mercedes
Wolff has touched on several topics in recent days. Among them, the one concerning Antonelli stands out. The Austrian revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes story about the decision to place the Italian in the seat currently occupied by Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. He did so with a striking comment, stating that if Kimi is driving a Mercedes, it’s because he has all the potential to become world champion in the future.
A clear stance that has Italy dreaming. Then there’s the matter of Russell, who — although he enjoys Toto’s full trust — has yet to sign a contract extension. Reportedly, the signing should come at the British Grand Prix. According to information gathered by our editorial team, it’s a one-year deal with an option to renew — perhaps a way to leave the door open for Verstappen.
Today, Monday 23 June 2025, brings the usual preview ahead of the race weekend. Mercedes has an objective for Austria, which, though not officially stated, is clear: fight for victory at Spielberg as well. Wolff says the team can’t expect the same level of excellence shown in Montreal every weekend. However, the W16 has the technical traits to be competitive again in the Styrian campaign.
Tire management is the bigger concern for the German team, as the asphalt is rougher than in Canada, and the aforementioned corners generate a level of energy that’s significantly harder to handle over 300 kilometers. McLaren starts as the favorite, not forgetting Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, which has always delivered strong results at its home GP in recent F1 seasons.
Wolff’s team must capitalize on the momentum from the recent win. Moreover, their ability to optimize the new updates will be crucial to unlocking maximum performance. As always, the goal will be to fine-tune the car’s setup, finding the most effective balance. Toto speaks of a podium, but the target, as said, is much higher.
Like Charles Leclerc, George Russell is fully determined to make a difference. And it’s quite likely the two will go head-to-head on track — if the Maranello team can live up to expectations. Ferrari is aiming to take its first real step forward this season. It promises to be a weekend full of unknowns but also hope, in a Formula 1 that might surprise again as it did recently in Montreal.
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