Mercedes F1’s W16 hits the track in Sakhir ahead of official testing. Russell and Antonelli share driving duties in the highly anticipated debut.
Mercedes F1 successfully ran its W16 as planned for the first time today in Sakhir.
The German team shares the track on the eve of official testing with Red Bull, running its new RB21, and Williams, using its second permitted shakedown day for the FW47.
George Russell was the first to take the track in Mercedes F1’s new single-seater, covering 100 kilometers before later handing over to Kimi Antonelli.
The Italian will be the first behind the wheel tomorrow morning for the start of private testing, with Russell taking over in the afternoon.
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has defended Formula 1’s joint season launch after the FIA expressed concerns over booing at the event.
The sport’s governing body condemned what it described as “tribal” jeering directed at world champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during F1 75 last week. The FIA did not acknowledge the boos aimed at itself.
Wolff, who has a long-standing rivalry with Horner, laughed off suggestions that he had joined those mocking the Red Bull boss.
“No, I didn’t boo. There were 15,000 people doing that. It wasn’t necessary for me to join in.”
However, he questioned whether Verstappen was actually booed by the crowd at London’s O2 Arena.
“I don’t think Max was really booed. There was a reaction from the room, but nothing like what we later saw for Christian. And we shouldn’t criticise an event that was huge just because a single individual, rightly or wrongly, was booed while speaking.”
The F1 75 show marked the first time Formula 1 staged a joint livery launch event for its teams. Wolff believes the format should be repeated in future seasons.
“It was a great event. The crowd was fantastic, the car presentations were strong, and it sets a new format for years to come. That’s the positive takeaway.”
Mercedes is running its W16 for the first time today at the Bahrain International Circuit (video below). After his team dropped to fourth in last year’s championship, Wolff hopes Mercedes can close the gap to its rivals this season.
“Maybe there are more of us capable of winning races this year. Four teams won in 2024, so I hope we can carry that momentum into another season as competitive and exciting as this.”
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Antonelli Take Turns as Mercedes W16 Debuts Antonelli Take Turns as Mercedes W16 Debuts
