Picture credits Mick Schumacher Instagram
When F1 team’s launch a new livery, it is always an exciting time. In the case of Alfa Romeo’s C43, we have already seen the actual design of their 2023 challenger – as opposed to the approach favoured by other teams so far of just showing a new paintjob on last year’s model. Meanwhile, speculation mounts as to what Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has instore and fans are eagerly looking for clues in any social media posts ahead of the unveiling of the W14 on February 15th. As for the Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, they have been as busy as ever – and the season is yet to officially begin.
Preparations for the new F1 season are in full swing in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The respective factories in Brackley and Brixworth are working tirelessly to produce a competitive car as they look to bounce back from 2022’s P3 in the F1 Constructors’ Championship.
In just a week’s time, the new Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE will be unveiled to the world’s media at a digital launch event in Silverstone. Meanwhile, fans are busy speculating as to what could be showcased and whether a return to a black livery could be on the cards. The reason for such speculation came from a social media post this past week by Mercedes-AMG F1. It showed a victorious Lewis Hamilton climbing out of his W12 with the quote:
“I said to the team in 2020, imagine if we changed the car to black, imagine the message we can send. We had the black car for the whole year, we won with it and that’s when I won my seventh world title.” Lewis Hamilton
Therefore, in light of the FIA’s new clampdown on drivers making political statements, a return to a darker livery may be a subtle way around the new rule. Also, due to the fact that the 2023 liveries unveiled so far all have a darker hue to them – it would certainly be in good company.
With Mick Schumacher having lost his place on the starting F1 grid with Haas F1 Team after being released at the end of 2022, this season also brings with it the position of a reserve driver role for the popular German racer. The son of seven-time F1 Drivers’ Champion Michael Schumacher has already paid a visit to the Brackley-based Mercedes factory to have his first seat fitting. Shortly after this, social media was the place to be to see a beaming Mick Schumacher surrounded by team personnel.
Team Principal for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Toto Wolff, has previously spoken as to why he chose Mick Schumacher for this role: “Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14.” Fans are already looking forward to seeing Mick Schumacher in his Mercedes race overalls when he lines up alongside Lewis Hamilton and George Russell next Wednesday at the unveiling of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE.
Once the the new Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE is unveiled, the team’s first and only preseason test will take place in Bahrain starting on February 23rd and lasting for three days. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, have been busy doing their bit to prepare for the season ahead, as last week saw both drivers complete a two-day tyre test for Pirelli at Le Castellet. This schedule of testing continued this week at the Circuito de Jerez and was a reminder once again that so much happens away from race weekends.
All of this shows that Mercedes is firing on all cylinders to do what it takes to get back to the front of the pack when lights go out in Bahrain next month. Now the many millions of Mercedes fans, don’t have too long to wait to see if their team will manage this. One thing is clear irrespective of whether the W14 is silver or black evey Mercedes fan will just be hoping – it’s fast!
