Mercedes has launched its 2025 W16 Formula 1 car, introducing major redesigns to enhance performance consistency. Rival teams have set a tough pace, but with George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the helm, Mercedes aims to improve on its 2024 season results. The car’s filming day precedes upcoming pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Mercedes has unveiled its 2025 Formula 1 car, the W16, featuring significant changes aimed at improving performance consistency. This follows the team’s earlier reveal of its 2025 livery at the F175 launch event in London. The car will be raced by George Russell and the rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has rapidly advanced through the junior programme to replace Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari.
The W16 seeks to enhance the effectiveness of Mercedes’ ground-effect designs, which struggled with optimal setup and performance variability in 2024. Russell and Hamilton managed two victories each last season, including a 1-2 finish in Las Vegas; however, they finished fourth in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
Russell has taken on the role of team leader following Hamilton’s departure, expressing dedication to tackling the issues faced last season. “It’s going to be a significant change this year,” Russell stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to avoid past pitfalls in development. The team has altered every aerodynamic surface and redesigned the front suspension to improve cornering response and reduce tyre temperature imbalances.
Mercedes will conduct a filming day with the W16 at Bahrain International Circuit before the pre-season testing scheduled for February 26-28, 2025. This testing will be crucial for assessing the car’s performance, especially with the impending resource deployment for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Mercedes has introduced its W16 car for the 2025 season, aiming for improved performance and stability after a challenging 2024. With new aerodynamic features and a focus on addressing previous issues, the team hopes to compete more effectively against rivals. Russell’s leadership and Antonelli’s debut add to the excitement, as pre-season testing approaches.
Original Source: www.autosport.com