Team Preview: Mercedes

2015 Drivers:

44: Lewis Hamilton (2014 finish 1st 384 points)

6:   Nico Rosberg (2014 finish 2nd 317 points)

2014 Constructors' Championship 1st (701 points)

2015 chassis: Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid

 Mercedes enters the 2015 season coming off a dominant season which saw them finish 1st and 2nd in the Drivers' Championship and clinch the Constructors' Championship with four races to go. Mercedes retains the same driver lineup as last year with defending champion Lewis Hamilton looking for his 3rd title alongside Nico Rosberg looking to breakthrough for a first title. Mercedes will be looking to carry over the speed of the almost unbeatable W05 but aim to improve on reliability which caused them a few problems last year. If Mercedes  have the same pace advantage as last year it is likely that they will be out in front and bring home another first and second in the Driver's Championship.

Mercedes had a very strong form in preseason testing which have led many people to fear that Mercedes will once again run away with both titles this year. They were able to set the fastest time in the last preseason test and many people within the paddock think that Mercedes will be out in front to start the season. Mercedes also did not run into any reliability issues in testing which will make it even more difficult to catch them. With the pace and reliability Mercedes has shown,  the rest of the grid knows that they wil have their work cut out to catch them.

The main story of Mercedes this year will be the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. The two drivers did not always get along throughout 2014 as they fought each other for the championship. The two have said that they have moved on from any tension that brewed during the 2014 season. We will see if that tension reforms once they start to battle out on track especially if they are as dominant as last year. Either way, the inter-team battle at Mercedes should be one of the most interesting to watch for 2015.

Prediction: Expect to see the Mercedes cars out in front for most of the 2015 season again as Hamilton leads Rosberg home for his 2nd straight title.

How do you think Mercedes will fare over the 2015 season?  Do you think they will be as dominant as they were last year or do you think they will have more competition up front?  Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.