Mercedes aims to hit hard with its next technical evolutions
Second in the constructors' championship, but already well behind McLaren, the Mercedes team intends to intensify its development program over the next few races, with the clear aim of improving its racing consistency.
After a rather encouraging start to the 2025 season, the best in four years, Mercedes already finds itself more than 100 points behind the leaders McLaren. At the Miami Grand Prix, the German team introduced its first official update according to FIA documentation. However, as Technical Director James Allison pointed out, modifications were made in the very first rounds of the championship.
In a video released by the team, James Allison states: « We have actually made improvements. They are not particularly huge or sexy. »
Some modified parts do not fall into the category of technical developments according to the FIA if they retain the same basic design, even if they have been lightened or optimized. Mercedes does not confirm having proceeded in this manner, but the British engineer promises much more noticeable changes very soon.
A busy schedule, a logistical challenge
With a dense season and races quickly following one another, technical development becomes a logistical challenge in its own right.
« It comes to the teams hard and fast. In fact, it is quite difficult to get improvements on the car when the races come to you at this kind of machine gun pace », explains Allison.
Despite this context, Mercedes is accelerating the pace.
« There are some that will be more evident to the outside world in the next handful of races. And with a bit of luck, they will improve our situation. » Objective: improve race pace. The priority is clear for Mercedes: better manage tire temperature over the course of the Grand Prix. This is the area where McLaren has clearly stood out since the beginning of the season.
« The main thing we will focus on is trying to master this race rhythm, making sure we deliver on our Saturday promise on Sunday. »
Despite a solid performance in qualifying, the pace sometimes collapses over the distance. This will mainly involve controlling the temperature of these tires and ensuring that the car can thus use the pace it has within it.
The upcoming races will be crucial to determine if Mercedes can truly challenge McLaren. If the promised developments fulfill their role, the German team might well close the gaps before mid-season.
