Button enthusiastic about Mercedes update package: "But they won't yet be able to compete with Red Bull"

Jenson Button and Danica Patrick are looking forward to the race weekend in Imola, as Mercedes will bring a large update package. Button hopes that the German team can be a bit more competitive again, but the former world champion does not expect Mercedes to be able to easily compete with Red Bull Racing. Patrick, former IndyCar driver, thinks that the eight-time constructors' champion should also consider the possibility that the update may not work as expected.

Mercedes is set to bring a completely different package to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with which the team aims to make a step in the right direction. So far, the signals from the German team are very positive. "They have told us that they are getting a big upgrade for Imola," Button says on Sky Sports. "It is an important weekend for them. We are all excited, we need teams to step forward to fight with the front runners."

"Hopefully, they will be in a position to compete with Aston Martin. They will not be able to compete with Red Bull yet," Button continues. In Miami, Max Verstappen finished more than half a minute ahead of George Russell. The young Briton was able to drive approximately the same times as Fernando Alonso, who, according to Button, could use some competition. "For Fernando Alonso, that competition is simply fun, he loves the competition with Lewis (Hamilton, ed.)."

"Then Mercedes needs to keep their head above water"

The hope is that the upgrade will work well for Mercedes. "Then it will be a completely different season," Patrick said. However, there is still a chance that the concept change may not deliver what it is supposed to deliver. "The challenge will come in case they don't see what they want to see. They have high expectations and if it doesn't meet those expectations, if they don't make enough progress, then the test will be to keep their heads above water during the triple-header," the former IndyCar driver said.