After spending 2022 in their more conventional silver scheme, Mercedes' newest model represents a return to black.
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Mercedes unveiled the W14, which is dressed in an all-black livery, in a special presentation taking place live from Silverstone on Wednesday morning, becoming the penultimate F1 team to begin the 2023 season. Mercedes unveiled the vehicle they hope will put them back in the running for regular race victories and championship glory a day after rival Ferrari unveiled their new rival. After spending 2022 in their more conventional silver scheme, Mercedes’ newest model represents a return to black, a colour they previously ran in 2020 and 2021. For the unveiling on Wednesday, which will be followed by a shakedown at the British Grand Prix venue, team owner Toto Wolff, continuing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and new reserve Mick Schumacher were all present.
Mercedes enters 2023 hoping to recover from a tumultuous 2022 campaign that began with severe porpoising but ended with a return to winning ways and third place in the constructors’ standings thanks to a lot of effort and adjustments to the W13.
Speaking at the W14 launch, Wolff said: “Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a World Championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up. Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond. This year, we are going all in to get back in front.”
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As for the return to a black livery, which is predominantly exposed carbon fibre to shed as many grams as possible, Wolff added: “We were overweight last year. This year we have tried to figure out where we can squeeze out every single gram. So now, history repeats itself. You will see that the car has some raw carbon bits, along with some that are painted matte black. Of course, when we changed the livery in 2020 the main driving factor was to support the diversity and equality causes which are always close to our heart. The colour black became part of our DNA at that point, so we are pleased to return to it.”
James Vowles’ absence from the Mercedes team for 2023 is one change. He recently left his strategy-focused position with the Silver Arrows to accept the team manager position at Williams. Pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 23–25 will give Mercedes the opportunity to get familiar with their new W14 car and new structure before the 2023 season’s first race a week later.
