Mercedes wary of threat as vital weakness learnings gained

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged his outfit to "build on" from its positive start to the season, but has stressed it will not succumb to the threat of becoming entitled or complacent.

The Silver Arrows have been the surprise package of the season so far, having at times been McLaren's closest competitor. 

Teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli has been settling into life as an F1 driver superbly, with four top-six finishes having been claimed from the opening five grands prix. 

As for George Russell, the Briton has taken on the role of becoming the team's leader in his stride and has become a title outsider. 

The 27-year-old has featured on the podium on three occasions, although slipped to 26 points adrift of Oscar Piastri in Saudi Arabia. 

At the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the high temperatures proved to again be a weakness for the Brackley-based team. 

In this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, hot conditions are expected, whilst the same tyre compounds from Jeddah will be used. 

However, it does mean Mercedes has significant data of how the tyres behave in hot conditions, giving Wolff hope of a positive event.

"We have had a good start to the season but we have no sense of entitlement or complacency," said Wolff. 

"We want to continue, and build on, the positive trajectory we have established so far in the first five races. 

"Saudi Arabia was a more challenging Grand Prix but, with temperatures high and the same tyre compound range as in Jeddah, we have plenty of learnings we can take into this weekend. 

"We are therefore hopeful of a more competitive showing."