F1 2017: Mercedes launches stunning new W08

The so called 'launch week' for the 2017 FIA Formula 1 World Championship went up a notch today with reigning drivers' and constructors' champions Mercedes launching their new car; the W08.

Former F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and new teammate - replacing Nico Rosberg, who won the title last year before retiring - Valtteri Bottas were on hand to unveil the car at what was reported to be an extremely cold, wet and windy Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit. The two also took the car out for a few laps with wet weather tyres on.

Visually the new car is striking on account of how tightly its components appear to have been packaged, which is evident especially by how narrow the car is at the rear. But this can be seen even from the side-pod area.

The new silver arrow is also sporting what is by far the most complex barge-board and turning vane arrangement of any of the four new F1 cars that have been shown so far.

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This is unsurprising as those are components that are meant to help manage the airflow to the rear of the car where it is more likely to be utilized now on account of the lower and wider rear wings. Mercedes, along with Red Bull Racing, are the biggest spenders in F1 with an annual budget that is believed to exceed 300 million dollars. With aerodynamics being used as a means to allow the cars to be anywhere from three to six seconds a lap faster than the outgoing machines, Mercedes' complex aero structures was not a surprise.

Visually though, the car looks a lot cleaner than the other cars launched so far, mainly on account of a lack of a 'shark fin' engine cover that may or may not be used later.

The new look of the F1 cars continues to impress thanks to the wider track, low stance with lower wings and significantly wider tyres.

However, far bigger changes have reportedly taken place under the skin of the car with an all-new design for vital components of the Mercedes-Benz power unit. Both of the Motor Generator Units (MGU) - one that works from the stored kinetic energy and the other from the use of exhaust gases in the turbo - are an all-new design that Mercedes believes will give it an advantage over its rivals.

Let's see what Red Bull and Ferrari come up with as a counter.