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!
https://x.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1894357677851250750
The W16 hits the track for the first time😍 pic.twitter.com/G5uwROfN8Q — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 25, 2025
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