Mercedes breaks tradition, will not launch 2025 F1 car at Silverstone

Autosport understands that Mercedes has decided not to hold its traditional launch event for its latest Formula 1 car this season.

The new W16, which will be driven by George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, will be revealed for the first time when Mercedes runs a filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 25, with pre-season testing at the same track from February 26. 28th February.

Current sporting rules allow teams to cover a distance of 200 km during ‘promotional events’, meaning Russell and Antonelli could share up to 36 laps of the Sakhir track.

Previously, Mercedes would usually launch its new F1 challengers at Silverstone, with each car unveiled the morning before filming day began.

This was the case since 2017, except for the W12 in 2021. “It always rains at Silverstone, so we decided we didn’t want to stand in the freezing rain again!” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff joked at the time. “We will be filming on Tuesday after the Bahrain test. I think it’s more representative and better photos than Silverstone.”

This time, the late launch would allow Mercedes to develop its machinery until the last minute. The current ground-effect technical regulations are less likely to cause teething problems during four seasons, the opening race, and disrupt the only pre-season test.

However, Mercedes’ new livery will still be unveiled at F1’s official season launch on February 18 at London’s O2 Arena, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the world championship.

All teams’ liveries are restricted until then, which is why Ferrari have opted for an online unveiling on February 19, with Aston Martin expected to take a similar approach.

Meanwhile, Williams will take the wraps off her new FW47 on Valentine’s Day, albeit with a “bespoke one-off dress.”

Autosport understands that some organizations will not unveil their cars until pre-season testing actually begins on February 26.