Mid-season review: Mercedes

Of all 12 teams on the grid, Mercedes have been the biggest disappointment by far this year. Coming into the season as the reigning constructors' world champions with rising star Nico Rosberg and veteran Michael Schumacher in their ranks, much was expected from the former Brawn/Honda/BAR/Tyrrell operation, but they have failed to impress.

Right from the off it was clear the W01 would not be quick enough. Fifth and sixth places in Bahrain were followed by tenth and fifth in Australia. Only in exceptional conditions have they managed to get podium finishes, when Rosberg took third in Malaysia and China, the former's qualifying having been run in the wet and the latter's race having been rain-affected. Despite regularly qualifying inside the top ten, both Rosberg and Schumacher have failed to score points on a regular basis.