Mercedes skips tradition for 2025 F1 car launch
- Mercedes has announced it will not host its traditional Silverstone launch for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
- Instead, the W16 will debut at the Bahrain International Circuit during a filming day on February 25, ahead of pre-season testing from February 26-28.
A new era for the W16
- Drivers George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will split 36 laps during the filming day, which follows sporting regulations allowing up to 200km of running for promotional events.
- This change breaks a streak of Silverstone launches dating back to 2017, except for 2021 when poor weather altered the plan.
Why Mercedes chose Bahrain over Silverstone?
- The late launch allows Mercedes to push development until the last moment under the current ground-effect regulations.
- Mercedes aims to avoid teething issues during the single pre-season test, ensuring the car is as refined as possible.
- Team Principal Toto Wolff humorously commented:
- “It always rains in Silverstone, so we decided that we don’t want to stand in the freezing rain again!”
- Bahrain also provides a more controlled environment for filming, with better visuals for promotional material.
What’s happening with the livery?
- The W16’s new livery will debut during Formula 1’s 75th anniversary event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18.
- Teams are keeping liveries embargoed until the O2 Arena showcase, adding to the excitement.
Other teams follow suit
- Ferrari and Aston Martin are expected to opt for online launches close to testing dates.
- Williams will unveil its FW47 with a one-off Valentine’s Day livery on February 14.
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