Mercedes will launch its W16 Formula 1 car for the 2025 season on 24 February. This will be the first car since 2012 that does not feature Lewis Hamilton. The launch precedes pre-season testing in Bahrain from 26 to 28 February. The team aims to learn from the W15’s performance issues and improve with new drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes has announced that it will unveil its W16 Formula 1 car for the 2025 season on 24 February, just before pre-season testing in Bahrain. This will mark the first time since the 2012 W03 that a Mercedes car will not feature Lewis Hamilton, as the team shifts to a new lineup with George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Unlike previous years, Mercedes will forgo its typical launch at Silverstone. Instead, the car will be introduced on 24 February, followed by a filming day at Bahrain International Circuit on 25 February, with pre-season testing scheduled from 26 to 28 February.
Mercedes finished fourth in the 2024 constructors’ championship after a challenging 2023. The W15 car struggled with a narrow set-up window and rear tyre overheating, which impacted performance in hotter conditions and high-energy circuits, while it excelled in cooler temperatures, as shown in Las Vegas.
The previous car’s design limitations affected performance on bumpy tracks and raised ride heights. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that the team’s slow update schedule compared to competitors hindered its performance, as they worked to understand new concepts.
Additionally, Mercedes will unveil its 2025 livery at the F1 season launch at the O2 Arena in London on 18 February, coinciding with F1’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Other teams like Ferrari and Williams have also announced their respective launch dates for the upcoming season.
Mercedes has revealed the launch date of its 2025 Formula 1 car, highlighting significant changes in its driver line-up and approaching season strategies. The W16 will break the tradition of featuring Lewis Hamilton, indicating a new direction for the team with George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This change coincides with adjustments in car performance and pre-season plans, including the shift from their typical launch event at Silverstone. The team aims to address challenges faced during the previous season regarding tyre management and car performance across different track conditions. As one of the key teams in F1, Mercedes’ strategies and updates are closely watched by fans and analysts alike, particularly as the new season approaches.
In summary, Mercedes will unveil the W16 on 24 February, marking a new era without Lewis Hamilton. The team is preparing for the 2025 season with a focus on overcoming challenges from the previous year related to tyre management. The introduction of a new driver line-up is emblematic of broader changes within the team as they aim to reclaim competitive performance ahead of pre-season testing. Mercedes is part of a larger trend in the paddock, as other teams have also announced their launch dates, indicating an eagerly anticipated 2025 season.
Original Source: www.autosport.com