Mercedes doesn't fully understand 2019 car yet

2019 winter testing has been a mixed bag for the reigning champions. Having struggled in week one and rumoured to be almost half a second down on Ferrari, the team unveiled a Melbourne-spec car with a number of changes in the hopes of catching up to the competition.

Since testing began, Mercedes has been relatively low key about their business and admitted themselves they do not quite yet understand all of the characteristics of the new W10.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, their new car has brought back diva-like traits similar to that of their 2017 car. With the upgrade package the team has brought to Barcelona for the final week of testing, the evidence is still inconclusive about whether or not the 2018 champions are on top of their issues despite the party line saying so.

Instability issues at the rear of the car were initially thought to be due to aerodynamic imbalances however the team believe they have ruled that theory out with the new upgrades.

"It depends on the temperature, the tires and the circumstances," an engineer for the team is quoted by AMuS. "We have the problem clearly under control."

With a new car comes new issues that the team say they are still identifying with just two days remaining of testing before the season gets underway next month in Australia.

Rivals have found it difficult to place Mercedes accurately in the pecking order as of yet, with the team themselves admitting that on some runs, they look on par with Red Bull while other times, they appear to be back in the midfield.

Is this just down to Mercedes 'sandbagging' to disguise their pace or do the reigning world champions have more of an issue than they are letting on? Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix will be very interesting.