Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has conceded the Japanese Grand Prix was a "case of what could have been".
George Russell had finished on the podium in each of the opening two grands prix of the Formula 1 season in Australia and China but, after qualifying fifth at Suzuka, he was caught up behind Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.
He would remain in position ahead of rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the top six finishers remained in the order they started for the first time in F1 history, with Wolff suggesting qualifying took away the chance for stronger result.
"Japan was a case of what could have been," said Wolff, who was absent from the Mercedes pitwall at Suzuka.
"We showed good pace throughout practice but failed to translate that into our qualifying performance. That hurt our chances of claiming a strong result on Sunday.
"Suzuka is a difficult circuit to overtake at and, with the race being a comfortable one-stop, there were limited opportunities to move forward.
"There are positives we can take from the weekend though. The car once again showed potential and, if we had executed more cleanly, a podium was a possibility."
Bahrain a test of progress
Mercedes' struggles in recent years have come when track temperatures have risen, with its best performances shown in cooler climates.
The Bahrain Grand Prix presents the first real temperature-related test for the W16, with reserve and development driver Frederik Vesti taking over the car in FP1 to fulfil a rookie session but also aid progress.
"Bahrain will be another test of the progress we have made with this year's car, said Wolff.
"It is a rear limited circuit, an abrasive surface, and typically we see hot track temperatures. That makes it tough on the tyres and is the type of track we struggled at last year.
"Contributing to our weekend will be our Reserve Driver, Fred Vesti. He will jump in George's car for FP1, fulfilling the first of two rookie sessions we need to run this year. Through his work in the simulator, Fred has driven more miles in the W16 than any of our other drivers.
"He has played an important role in its ongoing development and performance with his work in Brackley. This is another good opportunity for him to do that but this time on the race track."
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