F1: Mercedes W16 Revealed Ahead of 2025 Bahrain Pre-season Test

Mercedes has revealed the W16 in Bahrain, just days before pre-season testing. The new car marks a fresh start after the inconsistent W15, which delivered both highs and frustrating lows. With changes to its ground-effect design, Mercedes aims for a more stable and competitive season, hoping to eliminate the unpredictable performance swings that troubled its predecessor.

With Lewis Hamilton's departure, George Russell steps up as team leader, joined by 18-year-old rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes is determined to return to the front of the grid, and the early unveiling suggests confidence in their latest design. As pre-season testing begins, all eyes are on whether the W16 can deliver the consistency and speed needed for a title challenge.

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Toto Wolff said: 'We open an exciting new era in the story of our team and Mercedes-AMG motorsport in 2025. We are building on the incredible legacy of our heritage, and we can’t wait to go racing. Everyone at the team, in Brackley and Brixworth, has been hard at work over the winter. Last season was incredibly competitive on the track and, whilst we took several wins, we are all focused on challenging for victories more consistently. “We have made gains in the off-season, but we will only know where we stand come the first race in Australia.

'We have an exciting line-up to help us achieve our objectives. Both drivers have progressed through our junior programme and that is a vindication of our commitment to both supporting and developing talent.'

George Russel said: 'I feel like last year was my strongest in F1. This coming season will be my seventh in the sport, and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I’m working hard to improve year-on-year. As a team, we are incredibly motivated to improve on last season. There is a great energy within the factories at Brackley and Brixworth so I’m eager to take to the track.

'It’s also exciting having a new team-mate in Kimi this year. He’s incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership. Naturally, there is a lot for him to learn in his first season but I’m looking forward to helping him do that and working together to help push the team forward.

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Kimi Antonelli said: 'I’m excited to make my debut in F1 this year,” says the Italian. “It is a great opportunity, and I am very thankful to everyone at Mercedes for the faith and trust they’ve placed in me. I’ve been working really hard over the winter to be as ready as I can possibly be and now, I can’t wait to get started.

'My focus is on continuing to learn, being consistent, and doing the best job I can for the team. I’m looking forward to working with George; we’re already gelling well and it’s great to have the support of someone who has come through the junior programme too. “He is an incredibly strong driver and together I think we will make a great duo.'

Mercedes struggled with inconsistency in 2024, finishing fourth in the F1 constructors’ championship despite securing four wins. The W15 performed well only in cooler conditions and on low-downforce tracks, limiting its success across the season. To compete at the top in 2025, Mercedes must develop the W16 into a versatile car that excels in all conditions. A competitive, all-round machine will be crucial for their title ambitions.