Mercedes Set to Unveil W16 2025 Formula 1 Car Before Pre-Season Testing
Mercedes, a prominent name in the Formula 1 circuit, has announced that it will be launching its highly anticipated W16 2025 car on 24th February. This revelation comes just two days before the commencement of pre-season testing in Bahrain, setting the stage for an exciting start to the upcoming season.
This unveiling marks a significant shift for Mercedes, as the W16 will be the first car since the 2012 W03 not to be piloted by the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Instead, the team will be showcasing its new line-up, featuring George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The decision to forgo the traditional launch event at Silverstone in favor of a direct reveal on the 24th demonstrates Mercedes’ commitment to a fresh approach for the new season.
Following the launch, the W16 will undergo a filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit on the 25th, giving fans a glimpse of the car in action before pre-season testing kicks off. The Sakhir venue will host the testing from 26th to 28th February, paving the way for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park from 14th to 16th March.
Mercedes’ performance in the 2024 season saw the team secure a fourth-place finish in the constructors’ championship. Despite a resurgence in form compared to the previous year, the W15 faced challenges with a narrow set-up window and frequent overheating of the rear tires. These issues proved costly in races held in hotter climates and at high-energy circuits, affecting the car’s overall performance.
In contrast, the W15 excelled in cooler conditions, as evidenced by its dominant showing at the Las Vegas weekend. However, the car struggled at bumpier tracks where a higher ride height was required, impacting its performance on such circuits. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin highlighted a perceived lag in the team’s update schedule compared to its competitors, citing the need for time to adapt to the all-new concept introduced in 2024.
Moreover, Mercedes will also unveil its 2025 livery at the F1 season launch event at the O2 Arena in London on 18th February, commemorating F1’s 75th anniversary. The team joins Ferrari and Williams in setting launch dates for their 2025 machines, with Williams planning to reveal its FW47 in a special color scheme ahead of the collective livery launch event.
As the countdown to the new season begins, fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating the debut of the Mercedes W16 and the performance of the team’s new driver lineup. With a fresh approach and a renewed focus on innovation, Mercedes is poised to make waves in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
