Mercedes launches 2017 F1 race carposted in F123 | 02 | 2017
FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONS Mercedes unveiled the car it is confident will take it to its fourth successive title. Lifting the wraps from the Mercedes W08 at Silverstone, three-time world champ Lewis Hamilton was joined by new team-mate Valtteri Bottas. (Related: Scot Paul di Resta retained at Williams F1)
The Finn replaced 2016 world champ Nico Rosberg, who retired just days after clinching the title in Abu Dhabi.
Not surprisingly, it was Hamilton who drive the car for the first time on-track at the blustery and damp Northamptonshire circuit for a filming event.’
"It’s so exciting to see this thing come together," a smiling Hamilton said. "Driving today, naturally the car feels wider, which it is, and the front tyres feel huge. There is quite a lot of grip already even in the cold conditions here.
"This is not a test, really the laps I did today were behind a vehicle to get filming in and just a shakedown. I got to go a little bit faster but it's so gusty and it is wet.
“But from working in the windtunnel, to seeing it all come together, then do the seat fitting over the winter and in the last few days see it all appear and become real is fantastic.”
Former Williams driver Bottas, understandably, was delighted to be part of the Mercedes team which has dominated the sport in recent years.
Former Williams driver Bottas had a late call to join the team that has dominated the last three F1 seasons after Nico Rosberg retired days after clinching the 2016 title.
"It is a big day for me," he admitted. "Driving a Silver Arrow for the first time is something very special. I’ve been waiting for this moment for quite a while. and also for the test for a long time.
“I’m amazed how good the car is looking. I’m due to drive it in less than an hour, and I can’t wait. I love how how clean it looks; it looks really cool."
Team boss Toto Wolff believe the Mercedes team has risen to the challenge of building a car under the new rules for 2017, and believes they will deliver a bigger spectacle for the fans.
“The new rules for 2017 were designed to make the fastest F1 cars ever through a big increase in aerodynamic performance,” he said. “They should be more physical to drive and hopefully more spectacular for the fans to watch. The proof will come in the opening races but we have probably achieved that target.
“Of course, in terms of relative performance, it’s clear that any rule change brings with it a big reset but also a big opportunity. This is the time to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. None of the teams has raced under these rules and we all have the same points right now: zero.
“But the dominant feeling in the team right now is one of excitement; the factory is buzzing with anticipation. It has been a really motivating challenge to develop a brand new car concept and I have never seen our determination to succeed higher than it is right now.
“Of course, we had a curve ball from Nico late last year that left us scrambling a little bit in the winter. But we found a great solution with Valtteri and I am sure he will form a strong partnership with Lewis.
“They have both been working hard in the factory with the technical teams and, although we have a different dynamic to manage than in recent seasons, I don’t expect the competition between them to be less intense. And that’s how we like it.
“This year, in-season development will play a big role in determining the championship outcome. None of us know where we will stand at the first race but I am confident that, whatever that position is, we have the people and the capability to deal with every challenge that comes our way. This will be the season where our full works team can show its true strength.”
Related: Renault launches 2017 F1 car
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Jim McGill