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Meet the Mercedes-AMG W16: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s game-changer for speed

Mercedes-AMG has officially revealed the design of the W16, the car that will be driven by George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
Mercedes-AMG had already showcased its 2025 livery at the F1 75 launch event in London last week / Photo via Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG had already showcased its 2025 livery at the F1 75 launch event in London last week / Photo via Mercedes-AMG

The new season kicks off next Wednesday at the Bahrain International Circuit, where teams will participate in a three-day winter test. Each driver will have a day and a half to get accustomed to their new machines, while teams will gather crucial data to fine-tune their cars before the season opener in Melbourne, just over two weeks later

 

Although Mercedes-AMG had already showcased its 2025 livery at the F1 75 launch event in London last week, it was displayed on an older model. Now, the team has officially presented the race-ready W16, designed with significant changes aimed at improving consistency and performance.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes AMG Petronas drivers / Photo Mercedes AMG
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes AMG Petronas drivers / Photo Mercedes AMG

The development of the W16 marks a major shift in Mercedes-AMG’s approach to ground-effect aerodynamics, an area that has been challenging in recent seasons. The team has struggled to find an optimal setup, experiencing unpredictable performance variations from circuit to circuit.

Mastering the art of speed

“Our main objective has been to eliminate the W15’s hesitation in slow corners and address the uneven tire temperatures that led to inconsistency between sessions,” explained James Allison, the team’s technical director.

 

Mercedes-AMG has reworked every aerodynamic component of the car and introduced a completely redesigned front suspension to enhance stability and cornering precision.

Mercedes-AMG has reworked every aerodynamic component of the car and introduced a completely redesigned front suspension to enhance stability and cornering precision / Photo via Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG has reworked every aerodynamic component of the car and introduced a completely redesigned front suspension to enhance stability and cornering precision / Photo via Mercedes-AMG

Since returning to Formula 1 in 2010 after acquiring Brawn GP, Mercedes-AMG has enjoyed remarkable success in the sport. The team has accumulated eight Constructors’ Championships, nine Drivers’ Championships, 128 Grand Prix victories, 139 pole positions, and 109 fastest laps.

 

Much of this success was achieved under Lewis Hamilton, who departed for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season. His departure has paved the way for 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, a highly regarded talent and a potential future world champion, who will be making his F1 debut alongside George Russell.

Before official testing begins, Mercedes-AMG will conduct a filming day with the W16 at the Bahrain International Circuit on Tuesday / Photo via Mercedes-AMG
Before official testing begins, Mercedes-AMG will conduct a filming day with the W16 at the Bahrain International Circuit on Tuesday / Photo via Mercedes-AMG

Road to glory with Mercedes-AMG W16

With Hamilton’s exit, Russell has now assumed the role of the team’s leader. Meanwhile, Antonelli, a long-time Mercedes junior driver, has been fast-tracked to Formula 1, making history as the youngest driver to compete for the Silver Arrows.

 

“This season brings a big transition,” said Russell. “Every year, we identify and solve a problem, only to uncover a new one. This time, we’ve been far more disciplined with every modification and have focused extensively on simulator testing to avoid repeating past mistakes. So far, we’ve made solid progress. The 2025 season will be interesting, especially with teams balancing development between 2025 and 2026.”

Before official testing begins, Mercedes-AMG will conduct a filming day with the W16 at the Bahrain International Circuit on Tuesday, followed by pre-season testing at the same venue from February 26-28.

Key information

  • Who are the two drivers for Mercedes-AMG in the 2025 Formula 1 season? George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
  • What major aerodynamic changes has Mercedes-AMG made to the W16? The team has redesigned every aerodynamic surface and introduced a new front suspension.
  • Which legendary driver did Kimi Antonelli replace at Mercedes-AMG? He replaced Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari.
  • When and where will Mercedes-AMG conduct pre-season testing? From February 26-28 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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