Mercedes' post-Hamilton era kicks off as new car hits the track

Mercedes has begun life in the post-Lewis Hamilton era as its new W16 machine has hit the track for the first time in a Bahrain shakedown. 

The W16 enjoyed a digital-only launch with the team and its new driver line-up George Russell and Kimi Antonelli giving the new design its first outing in a filming day, just before the start of pre-season testing. 

Russell was the first to hit the track for the Brackley-based squad in Bahrain as the Briton takes on a leadership role this year following Hamilton's exit.

Mercedes has worked to dial out some of the chronic weaknesses of the W15, including in slow-speed corners as new team leader Russell and rookie Antonelli look to get up to speed as soon as possible.

Check out the first video of the car on-track in Bahrain below!