A new season, new challenges, and a new car. Today, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team unveils its 2023 contender, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance.
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Forged in the learnings of a difficult 2022, the W14 is striking in its appearance. The underlying concept of the W13 has been retained, and development has focused on core performance areas. That has led to a car that keeps the distinctive DNA of its predecessor and introduces a combination of notable changes visible on first inspection – such as the gulley bodywork on the engine cover – and others beneath the surface.
The car’s arresting look isn’t limited to the architecture, either. As part of a big project to make the car lighter overall, the iconic black paint job from 2020 to 2021 has been improved. Driving the W14 will be Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who line up for their second season together, supported by Mick Schumacher in his role as third driver.
“Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a World Championship. However, our competitors were solid last year, and we are playing catch-up,” said Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Toto Wolff. “Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the Team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond. This year, we are all in to get back in front.”
A Refined Concept
“Last year was difficult, but it came with lots of learning,” Toto commented. “I hope 2023 will be proof that we have understood how to unravel the problems and improve the package of the car.”
“W13 certainly had a performance that we could never unlock and put all its downforce on the ground. Our car performed very well at the end of the season. However, we still had the famous bouncing at some circuits, and the car never gave the drivers good feedback, which limited them in being able to push. We have tried to keep all the goodness of the W13 and address its weaknesses,” he continued.
The challenge of unlocking the performance in last year’s car while troubleshooting the problems that the Team could address in-season was met head-on by both Brackley and Brixworth. Notably, the development over the year led to a memorable one-two finish at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The progress throughout 2022 excites Technical Director Mike Elliott.
“Last year, once we…
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