The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team unveiled their 2023 contender, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE on Wednesday, 15th Feburary ahead of pre-season testing for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
Mercedes will be aiming to improve on an awful season last time out, that saw the eight consecutive world champions only win one race thanks to a George Russell and Lewis Hamilton one-two finish in Brazil. The German team have stuck with team boss Toto Wolff and two drivers Hamilton and Russell but have introduced Mick Schumacher to the team as reserve driver to replace Nyck de Vries after the latter got a full-time race seat with Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Speaking on last year Wolff said, “[The] W13 certainly had performance which we never were able to unlock and put all its downforce on the ground. Our car performed very well at the end of the season. However, we still had the famous bouncing at some circuits and the car never gave the drivers good feedback, which limited them in being able to really push. We have tried to keep all the goodness of the W13 and address its weaknesses,”
Mercedes have returned to the black livery, which is predominantly exposed carbon fibre to shed as many grams as possible to help the team return to the top. On this topic, Wolff said, “We were overweight last year. This year we have tried to figure out where we can squeeze out every single gram. So now, history repeats itself. You will see that the car has some raw carbon bits, along with some that are painted matte black.”
Team Principal Wolff spoke at the W14 launch and added, “Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a World Championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up.
“You will see that the car has some raw carbon bits, along with some that are painted matte black. Of course, when we changed the livery in 2020 the main driving factor was to support the diversity and equality causes which are always close to our heart. The colour black became part of our DNA at that point, so we are pleased to return to it.
“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.”
The car hit the track for the first time in shakedown at Silverstone before a filming day the following day. The drivers will get their first proper taste of the W14 at the Bahrain International Circuit for Pre-Season Testing between February 23rd and 25th.
