Mercedes is uncertain if it has resolved its F1 car’s cold weather performance issues, as Bahrain’s unusually low temperatures during testing have made evaluation challenging. While Russell’s second-place finish is promising, the team is cautious about drawing conclusions until they can compete in more typical conditions.
Toto Wolff has expressed uncertainty regarding whether Mercedes has resolved its Formula 1 car’s performance inconsistency linked to cold weather conditions. During the Bahrain pre-season testing, unusually low temperatures have left the team unable to fully assess their progress. Mercedes has aimed to improve its car’s performance, which previously excelled in cooler races but struggled in hotter conditions, such as during the past season.
The cold and wet weather in Bahrain has complicated evaluations of the new car’s capabilities. Wolff acknowledged this challenge during a conversation with Autosport, jokingly mentioning that Mercedes should perform significantly better in the current conditions.
Despite the difficult conditions, George Russell secured a second-place finish on the opening day of testing, marking Mercedes’ strongest early performance in Bahrain since the new regulations were introduced. However, uncertainties remain about the consistency of their results throughout the upcoming season.
Mercedes is grappling with evaluating its new F1 car’s performance due to unseasonably cold conditions in Bahrain, which has hindered their ability to determine if improvements have been made. While the team aims to overcome past challenges, the impact of temperature and wind on handling remains a concern. Russell’s strong performance offers hope, yet the team cannot yet confirm its ability to deliver consistently in different conditions for the 2025 season.
Original Source: www.autosport.com