Mercedes recovers the black color in its new 'W14' to go "seriously" in 2023

   MADRID, 15 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Mercedes-AMG F1 team has presented this Wednesday its new car, the 'W14', for the new season, which starts in Bahrain in less than a month, with the return of the black color as the highlight in a "daring" car to "catch up" in 2023, which "retains the DNA" of its predecessor.

After Ferrari opted for a presentation of the 'SF23' on the circuit, the German team unveiled its new 'weapon' on a set, with the new car as the protagonist and the presence of the team manager, Toto Wolff, the drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and reserve driver Mick Schumacher.

"The fundamental concept of the W13 has been maintained and development has focused on fundamental performance areas," reported the team, which pointed out that the new 'W14' that "retains the distinctive DNA of its predecessor", although "introduces a combination of notable changes" in an elegant body and under the new 'livery' of a black color that gave them so much success in the past.

This "attractive" aspect responds, fundamentally, to the attempt to further adjust the weight of the car and approach the minimum weight of 798 kilos. Thus, after removing the silver and white, the carbon fiber and the matte black color of the back of the nose and the area that covers the engine can be seen. "We have tried to find out where we can squeeze every gram. The color black became part of our DNA in 2020, so we are pleased to return to it," Wolff acknowledged in the presentation.

The 'W14' has a flattened nose with larger sidepods, unlike last year. In addition, it presents changes to the front suspension, with the aim of finally ending the 'porpoising' problems that haunted the Mercedes drivers during 2022.

"Our hopes and expectations are always to be able to fight for a World Championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing to catch up," said Wolff, who recalled that competing for the title "requires endurance, teamwork and determination".

Thus, he warned that they face "all challenges" always "putting the team before everything else." "We will not leave a stone unturned in the search for every thousandth of a second. This year we are going all out to get back in front," he warned. "We are preparing to start next season. I see a lot of effort, motivation and energy in the organization to put together a car that ends up being competitive enough to fight at the front of the grid," he wished.

Hamilton and Russell reacted to a car that inspires "speed" and "passion". "I've been part of this team for more than a decade and everyone's effort never ceases to amaze me," said the seven-time world champion. "Seeing the evolution of the car and the changes that have been made is fascinating. We have redesigned, optimized and innovated many parts of the car and that is impressive. And I love the new livery. It says 'we're serious'," he added.

While the one from King's Lynn acknowledged that the 'W14' had "impressed him incredibly". "Aesthetically it looks great. It's daring, aggressive and stands out," she analyzed. "It's been a long winter and there's a lot of anticipation to see if the 'W14' lives up to our expectations," she said.

Hamilton and Russell begin their second season as teammates, with the addition of German Mick Schumacher as reserve driver in 2023, after his two-year stint at Haas. "I have always felt very close to Mercedes. I am very happy to be part of the team and I know how important my role will be in the development of the 'W14'. I promise to give my all," concluded the 23-year-old.