Mercedes' W14 hits the track

The carbon black single-seater did its shakedown in the rain at Silverstone. George Russell was the first to take the wheel.

Published on 16/02/2023 à 10:30

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The W14 has hit the track! ©Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Team

The impressive W14 of Mercedes, dressed all in black, drove for the first time on the Silverstone track (United Kingdom). There car sported the vibrant green No. 63 of driver George Russell as he left the garage. Of course, there was rain during this first engine start-up, but nothing compared to the downpours suffered by Mercedes last year. The German team did not complete the maximum 100km of this burn-in session, so the black car will return to the track during the day to finish its work, and do a filming session for advertising images.

Heard you wanted some W14 video. 🖤🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZbUxjIVPue

—Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 15, 2023

It is impossible at the moment to know if this W14 is placed under the lucky star of Mercedes. But the first reaction of the young British pilot winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix, the only victory for the German garage during the 2022 financial year, is this: “ Everything is fine, everything went as planned. It's great to be behind the wheel again and see the car in the flesh », he declares as he gets out of his seat. Despite everything, we will have to wait for the winter tests in Bahrain to have “an idea of where we stand”: “ Last year we ended the shakedown with questions, and we were slowed down by weather conditions. We have to take today's results with a grain of salt, ensure that there are no major problems and that the car will be functional in Bahrain. »

« It will be a real test. Since we want to get the most out of it, a day like today is almost useless He continues.

Hoping that this W14 will be more competitive than last season when the team, despite an honorable third place in the Manufacturers' standings, had great difficulty finding performance in its car. Between rebounds and lack of speed, difficult for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to fight for the places to which the German team aspires every year. But the seven-time world champion affirmed it during the season launch event and unveiling of the car: “ This livery means : "We are back". »