Reports indicate there will be no Mercedes F1 car launch event this year as the team breaks tradition and instead opts to reveal its 2025 F1 challenger – the W16 – at the very last moment.
This decision marks a notable shift in the team’s approach as they prepare for the upcoming season, which is set to commence with pre-season testing in Bahrain later this February.
Historically, Mercedes F1 car launch events have been known to take place at Silverstone, where they would unveil their new car and conduct a shakedown run. However, this year the Brackley-based marque has chosen to skip these festivities entirely.
The decision not to hold a launch event stems from various logistical considerations and an effort to streamline their preparations ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
According to Motorsport.com, instead of unveiling the W16 at Silverstone, Mercedes will conduct a filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 25, just before the official pre-season testing begins on February 26.
Mercedes Team principal Toto Wolff humorously noted that the unpredictable British weather played a role in this decision, stating: “It always rains in Silverstone, so we decided that we don’t want to stand in the freezing rain again!
“We will be doing the filming day on the Tuesday after the Bahrain test. This, I think, is more representative and better pictures than we could probably get at Silverstone.”
This strategic decision to skip the traditional Mercedes F1 car launch allows the team to take advantage of favorable weather conditions while also providing an opportunity for drivers George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli to familiarize themselves with the 2025 F1 car.
The change in strategy reflects a broader trend within Formula 1 as teams adapt to new regulations and seek innovative ways to maximize their performance.
The W16 will be publicly revealed during the filming day, where it can be driven for promotional purposes under current F1 regulations that allow teams to run up to 200 kilometers during such events.
This means Mercedes can utilize this time effectively to ensure that any last-minute adjustments are made before the car is officially put through its paces during testing.
While the Mercedes F1 car launch event will not be held, fans will still get a glimpse of the new livery at F1’s official season launch event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. This event is particularly notable as it coincides with Formula 1’s 75th anniversary and will feature all teams showcasing their liveries.
Although it remains unclear whether any cars will be present at the joint 2025 F1 launch, it serves as an opportunity for Mercedes and other teams to engage with fans and sponsors alike.
The absence of an official Mercedes F1 car launch is not unique to the team; it follows a similar decision by Red Bull Racing in recent years. This shift away from traditional launches may signal a broader trend within the sport as teams prioritize efficiency and performance over ceremonial unveilings.
As teams face increasing pressure to deliver competitive cars from the outset of the season, many are reconsidering how they present their 2025 F1 contenders to the public.
Mercedes’ decision also comes in light of significant changes within the team itself. With Lewis Hamilton transitioning out of his long-standing role as the team’s lead driver, expectations are high for Antonelli as he steps into this pivotal position.
The young Italian driver has already accumulated considerable experience, having logged nearly 9,000 kilometers in F1 cars prior to his debut season. Wolff has emphasized that while Antonelli possesses immense talent, it is essential for him to grow into his new role gradually.
In preparation for his rookie campaign, Antonelli has participated in various test sessions with older Mercedes F1 cars including a recent run with the W11 at Jerez.
However, Wolff has been cautious about setting unrealistic expectations for Antonelli’s performance early on, acknowledging that mistakes are part of the learning process for any rookie driver.
The team views 2025 F1 as a transitional year and aims to lay a solid foundation for future success as they prepare Antonelli for more competitive challenges in subsequent seasons.
