Mercedes make a bold prediction ahead of the F1 2025 Japanese GP by hinting themselves, Red Bull and Ferrari could all catch McLaren soon in a warning to Lando Norris and his title aspirations.
The Silver Arrows have collected two podiums to kick-off the latest Formula 1 season with George Russell bagging third on both occasions in Australia and China, almost catching Norris in the latter.
However, McLaren have retained a notable advantage as Oscar Piastri led home their British star by 11 seconds at the Shanghai International Circuit, but Andrew Shovlin, director of trackside engineering, warns this may not be the agenda permanently.
“We’ve shown that we have a car that works well over a range of circuits,” Shovlin said in a Mercedes debrief video. “What we’ve also seen, though, is that McLaren are probably the team to beat.
“Max [Verstappen] is pretty quick. Ferrari certainly don’t look like they’re far behind and they’ve had a bit of bad luck in the last few races.
“So it’s a pretty tight fight at the front. We’re working hard to bring developments to the car, because, as I said, we need to close the gap to McLaren in particular.”
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Mercedes bold prediction: True order known after 2025 Saudi Arabian GP
Although they’ve started the season behind McLaren and ahead of their peers, the Silver Arrows are still cautious as to how the actual order could shake up as they harbour dreams of making Russell a world champion.
So Mercedes are making an effort not to get ahead of themselves ahead of the F1 2025 Japanese GP as Shovlin explains the upcoming circuits all vary and have unique traits, which will only then prove where all of the teams genuinely stand after a sample of five in a bold prediction.
“Suzuka is a fantastic circuit: very flowing and very fast,” Shovlin added. “Many drivers have it as their favourite on the calendar.
“Then, onto Bahrain, we know Bahrain because we tested there. It has its own challenges, but hopefully we will at least be in the fight for podiums. Then there is Saudi Arabia, a street track which is quite smooth, with a relatively new tarmac and that throws up its own challenges.
“So three very different circuits. By the time we’ve done five, we’ll have some idea of the real order. But as I said, it’s exciting to start a season with a car that works well and the drivers enjoy driving.”
