Mercedes to resume push in Austria with refined W16 package

After delivering in Montreal its most convincing performance of the season so far, Mercedes heads into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix aiming to build on the developments that powered its success in Canada.

According to deputy technical director Simone Resta, the team is preparing to bring further upgrades to its W16 package as it works to solidify its return to front-running form.

George Russell’s commanding win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, backed up by Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable run to third, marked a major turnaround for the Brackley-based squad.

Prior to Canada, a difficult triple-header had raised concerns that Mercedes' early-season promise was fading. But Russell’s pole position and strong race pace in Montreal have reinvigorated the team’s belief in its development direction.

Canada Breakthrough Built on Lessons from Struggles

Reflecting on the steps taken to unlock performance, Simone Resta pointed to a combination of technical updates and lessons learned from previous race weekends.

“We had very little degradation and we were able to extend the runs and on a good pace,” Resta said of the team’s Canadian Grand Prix performance.

“I think that every track has got different characteristic requirements, you’ve got different energy into the tyres, you’ve got different tarmac, so you’ve got a combination of multiple variables and in those conditions our car adapted well.

“And we’ve seen already that in some other tracks, like for example Bahrain or Spain, we were able to work on the set-up and improve the performance.

“We struggled a little bit more in Imola, for example, but in those conditions, I think with the learning of the races before, we were able to put the car in a good spot.”

Key Technical Tweaks Paying Off

Resta confirmed that Mercedes had reintroduced a revised rear suspension system, alongside updates to the floor and front brake, all of which contributed to the Montreal result.

“First of all we brought to Canada a development on the floor and also on the front brake,” the Italian engineer explained.

“Also, we tested again on Friday a rear suspension that was tested before in Imola and then we confirmed it on Friday and we raced it on Saturday and Sunday.

“I think every race we try to bring something and there are incremental steps, so they’re not game changers and they always help, but I think that our car was particularly well suited to this condition and also we worked quite a lot on the set-up and the approach to the drivers and I think we made a step with the car overall.”

Austria: Next Step in the Climb Back to the Top

Now, as Mercedes looks to avoid another false dawn – a pattern seen in previous seasons – Resta emphasized that more upgrades are already planned for the Red Bull Ring this weekend, and that the team will continue to build its understanding race by race.

“I would sign everywhere to repeat it, but I’m sure it’s not going to be that easy and clearly we learned a lot from the start of the season in those conditions,” he said.

• Read also: Wolff details Antonelli’s three-year path – and urges patience

“Like I mentioned, we learned some characteristics in Imola, in Spain and I think we’ll be building step by step let’s say our understanding going into Austria.

“Of course, we’ve got also new parts coming onto the car in those races that they will always help in improving the performance, so let’s see what we can get in Austria.”

With both drivers showing strong form – Russell increasingly confident, and Antonelli continuing to impress in his rookie campaign – Mercedes has a platform to build on.

But the challenge remains steep in a season where Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren have all taken turns at the front. Austria will offer another crucial test of whether Mercedes’ resurgence is here to stay.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook