The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team are set to reveal their 2017 car, and machine they hope will see them retain their championship titles once again, at the iconic Silverstone Circuit on February 23, four days ahead of the first week of winter testing in Barcelona.
The all new W08 will be driven around the track for the first time as part of a filming day and shake-down event, which is allowed under F1 rules, and the German squad will also be giving fans the chance to join them for the launch, in a competition that will include a meet-and-greet with Lewis Hamilton and his team-mate, whoever that may turn out to be!
Details of how to enter this fabulous competition can be found on the team’s website by clicking here – make sure you do not miss out on this unique opportunity!
Mercedes are yet to announce who they have lined up to replace the outgoing Nico Rosberg, who dramatically decided to retire after winning the world championship last year, but with young driver Pascal Wehrlein on his way to the Sauber F1 Team for 2017, it is looking more and more likely that Valtteri Bottas will get the coveted seat.
The Finn has always been Mercedes first choice replacement, but they have already had one offer turned down by Williams Martini Racing, who wanted to ensure they could source an experienced replacement should they let Bottas, who is still under contract to the team, leave Grove. Felipe Massa now looks likely to make a U-turn on his retirement plans of last year, to once again drive for the British team, which would free the Finn up to make the move.
The Brackley based squad join Scuderia Ferrari in announcing the launch date of their 2017 machine, with the Maranello based squad set to give their car its first run out at their own Fiorano test circuit on February 24.