Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
The car of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, in the garage
Autosport Plus
Analysis

What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track

Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping

“We’ve got a car that could win a championship…”

That’s what Mercedes thinks of its W12, the successor to what may well go down as one Formula 1’s best ever cars. But in 2021, Mercedes’ assessment comes with many caveats, despite the team currently leading the constructors’ championship ahead of Red Bull.  

Even with a three-week gap since the season-opening race in Bahrain, the situation as F1 sets up at Imola for round two is well known: Red Bull has the season’s fastest car so far, and Mercedes is under pressure. That stress exploded into scenes of joy when Lewis Hamilton unexpectedly beat Max Verstappen in the desert darkness, but such celebrations only came after the hard work the world champion squad had logged between testing and the first race.  

Previous article Alonso: More to come from me than Alpine F1 car
Next article F1 Emilia Romagna GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1 and FP2

More from Alex Kalinauckas

Is F1 blowing its "pivotal moment" to support the championship's women?

Is F1 blowing its "pivotal moment" to support the championship's women?

F1 Formula 1
Is F1 blowing its "pivotal moment" to support the championship's women? Is F1 blowing its "pivotal moment" to support the championship's women?
How Bearman's F1 debut will help Mercedes on its Hamilton replacement call

How Bearman's F1 debut will help Mercedes on its Hamilton replacement call

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
How Bearman's F1 debut will help Mercedes on its Hamilton replacement call How Bearman's F1 debut will help Mercedes on its Hamilton replacement call
The rare Ferrari problem that made its Saudi GP harder against Red Bull's might

The rare Ferrari problem that made its Saudi GP harder against Red Bull's might

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
The rare Ferrari problem that made its Saudi GP harder against Red Bull's might The rare Ferrari problem that made its Saudi GP harder against Red Bull's might
Ranked: The 10 F1 teams at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP

Ranked: The 10 F1 teams at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Ranked: The 10 F1 teams at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP Ranked: The 10 F1 teams at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen heads dominant Red Bull 1-2, Bearman seventh

F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen heads dominant Red Bull 1-2, Bearman seventh

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen heads dominant Red Bull 1-2, Bearman seventh F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen heads dominant Red Bull 1-2, Bearman seventh
Why Saudi Arabian GP could deliver one of F1’s most "unpleasant" races

Why Saudi Arabian GP could deliver one of F1’s most "unpleasant" races

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Why Saudi Arabian GP could deliver one of F1’s most "unpleasant" races Why Saudi Arabian GP could deliver one of F1’s most "unpleasant" races
Verstappen hopes "impressive" F1 debutant Bearman doesn't fixate on missing Q3

Verstappen hopes "impressive" F1 debutant Bearman doesn't fixate on missing Q3

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Verstappen hopes "impressive" F1 debutant Bearman doesn't fixate on missing Q3 Verstappen hopes "impressive" F1 debutant Bearman doesn't fixate on missing Q3
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen beats Leclerc to pole

F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen beats Leclerc to pole

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen beats Leclerc to pole F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen beats Leclerc to pole

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe