NEW Mercedes driver George Russell has put their Formula One rivals on high alert after stating their new car needs a 'huge amount of improvement'.
The 23-year-old has hinted that the Silver Arrows' dominance in F1 is under threat when giving his assessment of the new 'W13' vehicle.
Mercedes have won the last eight Constructors' Championships, despite his team-mate Lewis Hamilton being pipped to last season's title by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Speaking ahead of their car launch next week, Russell didn't give a glowing evaluation of the vehicle.
The former Williams ace told Mercedes' YouTube channel: "First impressions of W13 have been interesting.
"It's a very different car to the previous era – and the characteristics of how the downforce is completely different so we're still learning as we are going."
Before adding: "There's still a huge amount of improvement to be made to bring everything together and make it as nice as possible to drive.
"I foresee a lot of people being in the same boat.
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"We're just learning so much day after day, whether it be in the winter or in the simulator and I think it's going to be a year of development.
"I think everyone wants to go into the first race and have the fastest car possible.
"But what will be more important is understanding what your limitations are and how you're going to improve from those limitations to build the best foundation possible."
In positive news for Mercedes fans, the team all-but ended speculation regarding Hamilton's future in F1 by stating he will race for them in the 2022 season.
There were fears that the 37-year-old could retire from the sport after he was controversially denied a record eighth world title in the final race of 2021.
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However he is set to continue racing following a Mercedes news release put out ahead of their car launch.
Mercedes referred to Hamilton and Russell as 'our drivers', who will attend the February 18 event.
Part of the statement read: "You’ll have the chance to hear from our 2022 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and our Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff."
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