Mercedes has unveiled its Formula 1 car for the 2023 season, returning back to using black livery.
The unveiling of the W14 which was broadcast online on Wednesday – was done with drivers Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, team principal Toto Wolff, and new reserve driver Mick Schumacher, all in attendance.
The car’s distinct black livery was used during the 2020 and 2021 as part of Mercedes’ anti-racism messaging which Hamilton spearheaded.
The Brackley-based team returned to its traditional silver livery last year but has now reverted to black as part what it describes as an effort to reduce the overall weight of the car.
Mercedes will be looking to bounce back from a subpar 2022 that saw its streak of eight consecutive constructors’ championships come to an end after Red Bull Racing beat the German manufacturer by 205 points, Russell sealing the team’s only race win of the season at Interlagos.
Back in black. 🖤 Meet the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE. 😍
We're #AllInPerformance. 💪 pic.twitter.com/qKYiQiR6In
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 15, 2023
“Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a world championship,” Wolff said at the car launch.
“However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up. Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination.
“We face up to every challenge, we put the team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond. This year, we are going all in to get back in front.”
French manufacturer Alpine will be the final F1 team to unveil its 2023 ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain next Thursday through Saturday.
