George Russell has opened up about Mercedes’ recent turnaround in the 2025 Formula 1 season, explaining how adopting a slower suspension setup helped revive the team’s competitiveness. Early in the year, Mercedes showed promise with strong podium finishes, but technical missteps later threatened their momentum. Russell’s insight into the W16’s revised suspension sheds light on how a cautious approach led to renewed success on the track.
Early Season Success and the Imola Suspension Setback
Mercedes started the 2025 season with impressive results, as Russell earned four podiums within the first six races while rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli consistently scored points. However, during the seventh round at Imola, the team introduced a new rear suspension upgrade that backfired. According to team principal Toto Wolff, the adjustment unintentionally caused instability that negatively affected the drivers’ confidence.
We tried to solve a problem with the Imola upgrade,
Wolff explained,
but it let something else creep into the car.
Scrapping the Upgrade and Return to Form in Hungary
Faced with these difficulties, Mercedes made the decisive choice to abandon the problematic suspension update before the Hungarian Grand Prix. This move quickly paid dividends: Russell secured a third-place finish while Antonelli reappeared in the points after a spell of struggle. Russell reflected on the irony behind the slower suspension, saying,
Because it’s slower! Kimi has struggled more than I have with the suspension, but my results have also been worse collectively.
Renewed Team Spirit Amid Ongoing Challenges
The mood within the Mercedes team has brightened since reversing the suspension change. Russell candidly acknowledged the tough period they endured, sharing,
These last six races have been the worst races of our season. At the start of the year, I had much more confidence.
He also noted that while the team aimed to improve performance with upgrades, they were perhaps too slow to revert to a familiar setup. This balance between innovation and tradition remains challenging.
Balancing Innovation with Reliability in Formula 1
In an interview with Channel 4, Russell described the ongoing challenge of developing the car while maintaining reliability.
You’re always trying to bring performance to the car, and you do some things that you hope or expect are going to take you that step forward. But it doesn’t always work like that.
He emphasized the importance of careful evaluation after introducing changes, as different circuits favor different setups.
Championship Battle Intensifies as Mercedes Pursues Podium Supremacy
As the 2025 championship continues, Russell finds himself in a heated contest for podium positions, trailing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by just 15 points and holding a 21-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The pressure is mounting on Mercedes to regain its position as a dominant force in Formula 1.
Significance of the Suspension Saga for Mercedes and the Season Ahead
The story of Russell and the W16’s suspension journey highlights the delicate balance required in Formula 1 development, where sometimes slowing down is necessary to move forward. The team’s quick response to instability and their resulting comeback demonstrate the importance of adaptability and resilience. As the season advances, attention will focus on whether Mercedes can maintain this momentum and challenge the front-runners consistently.
