PALMER: Montreal proved Mercedes are back in the hunt – and could be back on the top step in Spain

Mercedes surprised everyone by securing a dramatic dead heat pole position in Montreal, and whilst their victory chance faded on Sunday, I think they have proven that they can very much be back in the hunt for a place on the top step of the podium.

This is a team that hasn’t won a race in a year and a half and has endured a frustrating first third of 2024, as once again they bid to understand what’s going wrong with their latest concept of car.