The Silver Arrows face their biggest shift in years as they launch their first season since 2012 without Lewis Hamilton leading the charge.
The 2025 Formula 1 season marks a turning point for Mercedes. For the first time since 2012, the team is moving forward without Lewis Hamilton. A new chapter begins this weekend in Melbourne, and team principal Toto Wolff is embracing the moment.
“We will write the first lines of our next chapter at the Australian Grand Prix,” says Wolff.
Mercedes isn’t just starting fresh—it’s building on years of success. “This is an exciting time,” Wolff adds. “We’re carrying forward the incredible Mercedes legacy in motorsport while striving to set new benchmarks and chase new dreams. That includes everyone: our drivers, mechanics, engineers, the teams at Brackley and Brixworth, and of course, our fans.”
The transition isn’t just about looking ahead—it’s about honoring the DNA that has defined Mercedes in F1. “Innovation, pushing the limits, the pioneering spirit of our founders—it’s all part of who we are. And that’s what keeps driving us forward.”
The team’s new driver lineup reflects this vision. With George Russell and Kimi Antonelli—both products of Mercedes’ junior program—the team has a mix of experience, youth, and raw speed. “It’s an exciting duo that will lead us into this next era.”
The Challenge Ahead
So, where does Mercedes stand in this post-Hamilton era? The winter tests in Bahrain provided some encouragement, but they didn’t yet prove the W16 is ready to dominate.
“This winter was a real challenge,” Wolff admits. “Our competitors finished 2024 on a high, and we expect Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren to have a performance edge at the start. But we’re pleased with the work we’ve done in the off-season and the progress we made in Bahrain. Both drivers gave positive feedback on the W16, but ultimately, the stopwatch is the only thing that matters. We’ll get a clearer picture this weekend.”
Melbourne: The Perfect Place to Start
For the first time in years, Melbourne is back as the season opener—a venue Wolff believes is the perfect stage for a fresh start.
“Australia is always a fantastic place for the first race. The track is a real challenge, a true test for both the drivers and the car. The fans are passionate, and Melbourne brings a special energy to the season launch.”
Wolff remembers his own first race with the team back in 2013. “We did a photoshoot on St Kilda Beach with our drivers, and there was this real sense of renewed energy. The paddock always has that ‘back-to-school’ feeling at the start of the year, so it seems fitting that we begin our next chapter here.”
George Russell summed it up best: “This is only the beginning.” And for Mercedes, the future starts now.
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Mercedes Begins a New Era Without Hamilton Mercedes Begins a New Era Without Hamilton Mercedes Begins a New Era Without Hamilton
