The 2025 Formula 1 season was successful for the Mercedes team. Two strong drivers: one seasoned veteran who may be approaching his golden era, and one rookie, ready to prove that he is the future of this team and perhaps the sport. In the first season following the departure of their front man, Lewis Hamilton, the team performed well, consistently trailing only the McLarens (who were a league above the rest), and Max Verstappen (the most dominant driver of this era). Let’s review how the team performed this season.
Rookie At The Helm
Kimi Antonelli was one of six rookies this season. To some, he was considered the best performing rookie in 2025. With this being his rookie season, Antonelli was closely watched by all. The Formula 1 community wished to see firsthand if the faith Mercedes put in the young driver was justified, and if his performance matched the hype. He showed great speed, but at points his inexperience was evident. This was always going to be an issue, as it is his first season, and will only improve as he gains more Formula 1 racing experience.
He finished the season with 150 points, making him the highest scoring rookie. He took home three podiums for the team, a great feat in what is only his first season. From the first race, Antonelli looked strong, taking fourth place in the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. This momentum continued into Imola, the seventh race of the season, where he DNFed.
This began a series of more difficult races for the rookie. A string of DNFs, and non points finishes could not be cancelled out by his third place finish at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix. Obviously an amazing achievement for any driver during a performance slump, let alone for a rookie, however it was somewhat overshone by Russell’s win here. Either way, a great points haul for the team in Canada, and a welcome positive change for Antonelli.
The second half of the season seemed to be where Antonelli found his groove. Consistency had been his main issue this season, but later races showed us what we may come to expect from him with time. Highlights from this section of the season include consecutive podiums at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix and 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was an especially great achievement considering he lined up 17th on the grid; excellent podium finishes to top up the team’s points tally. The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix saw him beat Russell for the first time during the season, pipping him to P6.
Consistency is a problem that will hopefully be ironed out for the young driver with experience. Overall, on review, his season was impressive, especially considering it is only his first in Formula 1, and that he is still so young. Mercedes have a gold mine on their hands, one that will last them for many years, if Antonelli is able to become more consistent, and able to challenge his teammate.
Russell’s Time Will Come
Throughout his Formula 1 career, fans and journalists alike have considered Russell to be a rising star of the sport, and after seven seasons, he is just that. No championships, and limited wins puts him behind his rookie contemporary Lando Norris, who has just won his first championship, but this does not mean that Russell is a failed experiment for Mercedes. He has a quiet consistency, which has continued across the course of his career, especially this season.
Russell led Mercedes to second place in the Constructors’ Championship, rounding out the season with two wins (at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix and 2025 Singapore Grand Prix) and nine podium finishes. His 319 points were good enough for P4 in the Drivers’ Championship, his joint highest ever finish in this competition (tied with 2022). In the first six races, he got four of those podiums; an incredible start to the year for any driver, let alone one not in the fastest car.
This season, he emerged as Mercedes new leader; a guiding force for rookie Antonelli, and the main driver of the team. He achieved his first career hat trick: taking pole, the fastest lap and winning the grand prix, an amazing career highlight. Taking on this new role in the team seemed to be something he has taken in his stride. If this season serves as an indicator, Russell is the new face of Mercedes, and will do well in this post-Hamilton era at the team.
Second Is The First To Lose
Second in the Constructors’ Championship is not bad for a team in their first season without a championship winning driver in many seasons. Russell is the obvious replacement for Lewis Hamilton, leading the team this season and scoring more than double the points of his teammate (granted Antonelli is a rookie so this is very understandable).
It was only in Monaco where the team failed to score any points, only good enough for P11 (Russell) and P18 (Antonelli) following a disappointing qualifying session where neither driver made it out of Q2. Overall, this season was great for the team.
The good news for Mercedes is that both their drivers have resigned for the 2026 season, so they can continue this upwards trajectory.
Will Mercedes be able to better this season’s performance? Will they take home a championship?
Written and edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: autocarindia.com
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