Mercedes has a fighting spirit, even though the rivals are fast

      In 2025, the Australian Grand Prix will once again open a new Formula 1 season after a six-year hiatus, and the race will be held at Melbourne's Albert Park for the 28th time. Mercedes drivers have won it five times in the past, but George Russell has only reached the podium there, but has not won, and this Grand Prix will be his debut for 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli.

      As always at the beginning of the season, Toto Wolff, the team leader, talks about her fighting spirit, but admits that in the first races the advantage will be on the side of rivals. But Mercedes is not going to give up.…

      Toto Wolff: "At the Australian Grand Prix, we have to write the first lines in a new chapter of our history. This is a very interesting time, and we will develop the incredibly rich motorsport traditions of the Mercedes brand. We will strive to set new standards, and in the coming years we will try to fulfill new dreams.

      This will require the efforts of each of us, from racers to mechanics and engineers, in short, everyone who works at the bases in Brackley and Brixworth. Of course, the support of our fans is also very important.

      The upcoming trip became a source of inspiration for the creation of a film dedicated to the beginning of the season. He's about everything that makes the Mercedes brand what it is.: This is innovation, the desire to push the boundaries of what is possible, and the pioneering spirit that distinguished our founders.

      All this forces us to move forward today. The team has a strong squad that combines experience, youth and natural speed – these are George and Kimi, two talented graduates of our youth program. With this magnificent duo, we are entering a new era.

      During the winter period, the team had to solve very difficult tasks. Our rivals were strong in 2024, and we know that Ferrari, Red Bull and especially McLaren will have an advantage over us at the beginning of the new season.

      But we are happy with the work we did during the off-season and during the tests in Bahrain. Both drivers gave positive comments about the W16 car after three days on the track, and it looks like we've made some improvements.

      Of course, the only thing that matters is the results that the stopwatch records, and how they look in comparison with the results of the competitors. This weekend we will definitely get a clearer picture of the balance of power.

      Australia has always been a great place to host a race. The Albert Park track is difficult for the riders, and the car is undergoing a real test there. Melbourne has great fans, and this track is perfect for opening the new season.

      I remember my first race with our team, which took place in this city in 2013; we had a photo shoot on the beach, and even then it felt like the team had received a new boost of energy. There's always a special atmosphere in the paddock at the beginning of the season, too, and as George says at the end of the movie, "This is just the beginning." We are looking forward to everything that lies ahead."