(Motorsport-Total.com) – In terms of pure lap times, Mercedes seems to be perfectly prepared for the start of the new Formula 1 season: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have set the fastest times of the testing week in Bahrain so far and were also at the front twice last week.
Read more Where does Formula 1 stand in 2026? Seven insights from testing
So it could all point to successful test drives – if it weren’t for the issue of reliability. Because after a surprisingly problem-free Barcelona shakedown, that was the Silver Arrows’ biggest weakness in Bahrain.
Antonelli in particular has been repeatedly plagued by problems in recent days and was also the driver with the fewest kilometers of all in the first week in Bahrain – even behind both Aston Martin drivers.
“Sets you back every time”
On today’s final day of testing, the Italian’s workday was again ended prematurely because he had to park his W17 at the side of the track after 49 laps. “Yes, it wasn’t the smoothest test for me here in Bahrain,” Antonelli has to admit, “but that’s exactly what tests are for.”
“It’s all about testing, and it’s really important to fix the problems now and experience them now so that everything fits for the rest of the season. The team has already looked at the whole thing, found the problem and also has a solution ready. Hopefully everything will be okay for Australia.”
For Mercedes, an unwanted forced break occurred because they had to install a completely new power unit in the car for George Russell in the afternoon. “There were definitely positive aspects, but every time a problem occurs, it sets you back a good deal,” Russell also says, annoyed by the difficulties.
Read more Haas with great self-confidence: Best pursuer of the four top teams?
From Mercedes’ perspective, the performance of the car and power unit is of course positive, and the drivers also praise the feeling in the vehicle and the progress the team is making from day to day.
“To be honest, we’ve done a lot of set-up work and the feedback from the car is good,” says Antonelli. “Of course, the other top teams also look pretty good. Ferrari looked very strong this morning, but also McLaren yesterday and Red Bull as well. I think the top 4 are pretty close together, and it will be a close fight.”
Worst starts of Russell’s career
Russell knows that Mercedes can rely on “a lot of potential in the car.” But he also knows that this is not enough. In addition to reliability, starts are currently still a major problem area for the Silver Arrows.
“To win a race, you also have to get off the line damn well. The two starts I did this week were worse than my worst start in Formula 1 ever,” says the Briton. “Meanwhile, Lewis [Hamilton] moved up from P11 to P1.”
“At this point, it doesn’t matter how fast you are. What will bring you down is the highest hurdle. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to take care of right now. At the moment, we’re still stumbling over some of them.”
Read more Bahrain Friday: Superior Ferrari best time & Aston Martin at rock bottom