Mercedes have officially launched their 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance, marking the start of a new chapter for the Silver Arrows following Lewis Hamilton’s departure. The team already showcased the car’s livery at the F1 75 season launch event in London.
The Brackley-based squad will forgo their traditional Silverstone shakedown, instead opting to run the W16 for the first time in Bahrain before pre-season testing kicks off at the same venue on February 26-28.
This season also heralds a major shift in Mercedes’ driver line-up, with 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepping up to partner George Russell. The highly rated Italian replaces the Ferrari-bound Hamilton, while Russell embarks on his fourth season with the team, having secured multiple victories since joining in 2022.
George Russell #63
“I feel like last year was my strongest in F1,” Russell explained. “This coming season will be my seventh in the sport, and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I’m working hard to improve year-on-year.”
“As a team, we are incredibly motivated to improve on last season. There is a great energy within the factories at Brackley and Brixworth so I’m eager to take to the track.”
“It’s also exciting having a new team-mate in Kimi this year. He’s incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership. Naturally, there is a lot for him to learn in his first season but I’m looking forward to helping him do that and working together to help push the team forward.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli #12
Elated for the season to start, Antonelli said, “I’m excited to make my debut in F1 this year.”
“It is a great opportunity, and I am very thankful to everyone at Mercedes for the faith and trust they’ve placed in me. I’ve been working really hard over the winter to be as ready as I can possibly be and now, I can’t wait to get started.”
“My focus is on continuing to learn, being consistent, and doing the best job I can for the team. I’m looking forward to working with George; we’re already gelling well and it’s great to have the support of someone who has come through the junior programme too. “He is an incredibly strong driver and together I think we will make a great duo.”
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
“We open an exciting new era in the story of our team and Mercedes-AMG motorsport in 2025. We are building on the incredible legacy of our heritage, and we can’t wait to go racing,” said Wolff.
“Everyone at the team, in Brackley and Brixworth, has been hard at work over the winter. Last season was incredibly competitive on the track and, whilst we took several wins, we are all focused on challenging for victories more consistently. “We have made gains in the off-season, but we will only know where we stand come the first race in Australia.”
“We have an exciting line-up to help us achieve our objectives. Both drivers have progressed through our junior programme and that is a vindication of our commitment to both supporting and developing talent.”
“George has proven that he is one of the very best drivers on the grid, capable of competing for the Drivers’ Championship if we can give him a car capable of doing so. “As the senior driver, he will help lead the team forward and support Kimi in his development.”
“Kimi has all the necessary talent to achieve great things at the pinnacle of the sport, but this is a rookie season and there will inevitably be ups and downs. We’re looking forward to that journey together though and helping him develop over the course of the year.”
Finishing off, Wolff stated, “It is going to be a highly competitive season.”
Mercedes’ 2025 driver line-up
For the first time in over a decade, Mercedes will compete without Lewis Hamilton, with Antonelli stepping into his seat as the youngest driver on the 2025 grid. The Italian’s rapid ascent through the junior categories, including dominant performances in Formula 4 and Formula Regional, has positioned him as one of F1’s most exciting prospects.
Meanwhile, Russell remains a key figure in Mercedes’ future. The Briton, who has claimed three of the team’s five victories in the ground-effect era, will aim to lead the squad in their pursuit of a return to the front of the grid.
Mercedes also welcomed back former driver Valtteri Bottas in a reserve role. The 10-time Grand Prix winner returns to the Silver Arrows after three seasons with Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber, providing experience and depth to the team’s roster.
Bottas expressed his enthusiasm saying, “I couldn’t be happier to be back with Mercedes.”
“It feels like I’m home. It’s been great to catch up with former colleagues, and I’m really looking forward to helping the team both on and off the track.”
“As Third Driver, I will be at every Grand Prix providing support and that extra set of eyes. I will also be at the factory helping develop the car in the simulator too. I can’t wait to get started.”
A season of transition for Mercedes
Despite securing race wins in 2024, Mercedes endured another inconsistent campaign as they struggled with the current regulations. Their fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship was their worst since 2012, highlighting the challenges they have faced since the end of their dominant era.
Russell and Hamilton each won two races last year, with Russell’s victories coming in Austria and Las Vegas. Hamilton, meanwhile, ended a near three-year winless streak at Silverstone, securing an emotional home victory. However, the team’s overall performance fluctuated throughout the season, preventing them from mounting a sustained title challenge.
With a new driver pairing and a fresh approach, 2025 represents an opportunity for Mercedes to rebuild and prepare for the regulation overhaul in 2026. While expectations for Antonelli’s debut season remain measured, his development alongside Russell will be a key storyline throughout the year.
Mercedes’ most successful period in F1 history came with Hamilton at the helm, winning eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships between 2014 and 2021. Now, the team must adapt to a new era without their long-time talisman.
Antonelli has clarified that he is not seeking to replace Hamilton’s legacy, stating, “I really want to make my own story.” The team’s priority will be ensuring a smooth transition while continuing their pursuit of competitiveness.
With Russell eager to cement his status as a team leader and Antonelli aiming to make an impact in his rookie season, Mercedes faces a crucial year as they look to re-establish themselves as a front-running force in Formula 1.
