Silverstone (dpa) – The new Formula 1 Mercedes is silver again. The W13 of the German factory racing team was presented at Silverstone.
“We have no idea how it drives,” said superstar Lewis Hamilton at the presentation of the all-new model. “It feels a bit like my freshman year,” he explained.
Due to extensive rule changes, the cars for the coming season are based on completely new concepts. The steering wheel is the only element that has been carried over from its predecessor, according to Mercedes.
“We’re starting from scratch again,” emphasized team manager Toto Wolff. “Eight titles, but success from the past doesn’t guarantee anything,” he said, referring to the previous series triumphs in the constructors’ championship. Most recently, the Silver Arrow was painted black. In a dramatic finale last year, Hamilton missed his eighth driver’s title in December 2021.
Now he wants to attack world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. “I’ve never seen him more determined,” said Wolff. Compatriot George Russell, brought in by Williams to succeed Valtteri Bottas, will drive alongside Hamilton.