Mercedes’ 2022 challenger livery has received mixed reactions on social media, with some F1 fans calling it ‘worst livery this year’ while others seem to be praising the silver arrows color scheme.
The Mercedes W13, was presented on Friday, just in time for pre-season testing to begin next week in Barcelona.
Mercedes livery has always included a silver color scheme throughout its history, earning the nickname “Silver Arrows.” However, before of the postponed 2020 season, the team switched to a black design to send a strong anti-racism message amid global protests.
Mercedes’ 2022 livery includes touches of red, blue, and black, which is similar to what the squad has used in the past decade.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff explained the decision at the unveiling, stating that silver and black would be the team’s official colors going forward.
“The black livery was a clear intent and a clear demonstration of our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive team,” Wolff said.
“It has become part of our DNA, but the silver colour of the Silver Arrows is as much our DNA, it’s our history.”
“As a team we have grown from the Silver Arrows to slowly becoming a more diverse and inclusive team and therefore our colours going forward will be silver and black.”
Following the unveiling of the W13 on Friday, some F1 fans rushed to social media to vent their displeasure with the livery.
One social media user specifically stated that it was the “worst livery” of 2022, although not everyone agreed.
