The original auto motor und sport article kind of contradicts what is said in this one.
Original:
When can we expect Mercedes to catch up with Red Bull?
Allison: I keep saying it internally, there's no reason it shouldn't happen this season as long as we're able to keep improving our car. The challenge is to do that and at the same time build up enough knowledge so that we can do it from the start next season.
Funny how despite how far back they started the season Merc is still the one team you'd trust the most to steal a win from RB, right? :D Ferrari just ain't it