Mercedes issued fierce F1 warning: 'I would be worried'

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villenueve has stated Mercedes should be “worried” over the security of its placement at the head of the pecking order.

The Brackley-based squad has enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, winning the opening three grands prix.

It has stretched out a strong lead in the constructors' championship as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli attempt to battle it out for the drivers' title.

However, last time out in Japan, Oscar Piastri enjoyed a positive opening stint for McLaren and managed to stay ahead of Russell in the lead.

As a result, Villeneuve has suggested McLaren's pace around Suzuka should have Mercedes concerned.

“We've seen McLaren being very good at responding last year,” Villeneuve told F1.

“But I would be worried if I were Mercedes now, because the first two races, [it was] easy. 

“They felt safe, they don't feel safe after this race. The gap is not as big as they expected, mostly on a track that is very car-dependent. 

“This is a track where, if your car is good, you'll be in front, and a weekend for Mercedes where you don't finish first and second is not a good weekend. 

“A normal weekend for Mercedes is first and second. [Japan] was a big off.”

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli managed to win the grand prix, benefitting from a well-timed safety car pit stop to recycle himself ahead of Piastri.

The Australian crossed the line in second place, bagging the Woking-based squad's first podium of the campaign.