Mercedes have revealed their 2025 car for the first time, with the team digitally launching the W16 days after unveiling its livery at the F1 75 Live season launch event.
The squad’s new challenger, the W16, broke cover on Monday, just days before the Silver Arrows join the rest of the field for pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26-28.
TEAM PREVIEW: The post-Hamilton era has arrived – 2025 is the start of Mercedes’ new chapter
It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, with rookie Kimi Antonelli stepping up to replace the seven-time World Champion as team mate to George Russell.
The line-up is also completed by the return of Valtteri Bottas, who will act as a reserve driver in 2025 after previously racing for the team between 2017 and 2021.
The Mercedes W16 will be raced by Russell and Antonelli in 2025
Team Principal Toto Wolff commented: “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.
“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.
WATCH: Mercedes’ 2025 livery breaks cover during F1 75 Live in London
“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.”
Can the W16 help Mercedes to take a step forward in the season ahead?
Russell added: “I feel like last year was my strongest in F1. 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.”
Antonelli also spoke of his anticipation ahead of his first season in F1, with the 18-year-old stating: “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.”
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