Mercedes-AMG F1 unveiled its title contender for the 2021 season today in an impressive display of confidence, befitting to the 7-time defending constructor's champion.
W12 Revealed
The W12 continues 2020's W11 livery, primarily black with silver accents and an Ineos logo surrounded by red covering the ram air intake. Like other cars debuting this season, the biggest change is in trimming the floor, as per the regulations to hopefully bring the cars closer for more intense racing.
Mercedes Retains Its Drivers For A Fifth Year
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are under one year contracts to drive the Silver Arrows for the 2021 season. This puts Williams driver George Russell on the back burner, following his spectacular performance at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix at the helm of Hamilton's car, as the defending driver's champion battled COVID-19.
Mercedes' Turbo-Hybrid Legacy
Mercedes has been the team to beat since the induction of the turbo-hybrid era. Lewis Hamilton has stormed the grid in a show of unrelenting dominance claiming six of the world driver's championship titles since 2014.
Mercedes' Innovation
Much of the team's success is due to Mercedes' ability to innovate. Most recently in 2020, Mercedes introduced the short-lived Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system, which allows drivers to adjust the front wheel tow angle by pushing or pulling on the steering wheel.
The upcoming 2021 season won't see any changes with regards to power, thanks to the engine freeze that was instituted in early February. However, with subdued changes to the aerodynamics regulations in place for this season, Mercedes could still have a few tricks up its sleeve.