In the buzzing paddocks of the Formula 1 circuit, the whispers about Mercedes’ evasiveness with upgrades on their W16 car have been hard to ignore. Fans are curious, questioning, and a bit impatient, especially as other teams flaunt their shiny new tweaks. So, what’s the deal? Mercedes’ technical director James Allison has stepped up to clear the air, stating that upgrades are indeed happening—just not in the way that catches the eye.
At the heart of this curiosity is the Miami Grand Prix, a highlight of the F1 season commonly associated with major car upgrades. Fans have watched eagerly as McLaren’s previous upgrade in Miami spiced up last year’s championship chase. But in 2025, Mercedes supporters have noted the absence of any significant changes in the W16. Currently, Mercedes is sitting comfortably in second place in the World Constructors’ Championship, yet they are trailing over 100 points behind leaders McLaren. Understandably, fans are eager to see some game-changing upgrades.
James Allison shed some light on this matter during Mercedes’ post-Miami debrief. According to Allison, the team has been steadily integrating upgrades, albeit minor ones that might not turn heads but serve a purpose. ‘We have actually been bringing upgrades,’ he mentioned. ‘They’re not particularly enormous or sexy, but they’ve been coming in a steady trickle.’ He assured fans that more noticeable upgrades would make their debut in the coming races, hopefully shifting the team’s trajectory positively.
These upgrades involve subtle changes such as lightening car components and slightly modifying the rear wing, changes so minute they don’t officially appear in the FIA’s documentation. With the first six races happening in quick succession and far from home, the team faced challenges in implementing more substantial updates. ‘Hopefully, the ones that happen in the next two or three races will move the dial a bit for us,’ Allison added.
As the F1 schedule progresses towards Europe, Mercedes anticipates that their first major upgrade package will surface at the Imola race. This race marks the beginning of a triple-header leading back to North America for the Canadian Grand Prix. Allison expressed confidence that the Mercedes W16 will gain better traction as the season unfolds. He emphasized the team’s focus on enhancing race pace, with a particular focus on tire temperature control, aiming to capitalize on their qualifying performances during the races themselves.
Despite some frustrations among fans, Mercedes is not resting on its laurels. The team’s strategy involves gradual enhancements that may not immediately dazzle but are poised to yield improvements when integrated fully. As the director pointed out, the emphasis is not just on qualifying strong but ensuring that race performance matches the promise of their Saturday showings.
Mercedes fans can rest assured that while progress may seem slow, it is indeed happening. The subtle and ongoing upgrades are part of a broader strategy that Mercedes hopes will pay dividends as the season develops. With the anticipation of more prominent upgrades at Imola, the team remains focused on refining their approach to secure their standing in the championship race. Watch this space, as the W16 story is far from over.
