Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG Petronas: Dominance in Formula 1 Since 2014

Discover the immense success of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Since 2014, they have dominated the sport, winning titles in both drivers' and constructors' championships. With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell as their drivers and Toto Wolff as team boss, Mercedes continues to push the boundaries in Formula 1. Learn more about their Mercedes W14 car and their pursuit of greatness in the 2023 season. Stay updated with the latest news and achievements of this legendary team.

Explore Mercedes' early presence in Formula 1, with Juan Manuel Fangio winning back-to-back world championships in 1954 and 1955. However, tragedy struck in 1955 when Mercedes withdrew from motorsport after a horrific accident at Le Mans. Learn about their legacy and the events that shaped their journey in the sport.

Mercedes Makes a Comeback After 55 Years with Rosberg and Schumacher

After a long absence, the German team made its return to Formula 1, acquiring the winning Brawn GP and rebranding as Mercedes GP, with Ross Brawn as team principal. Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello were replaced by Nico Rosberg and the legendary Michael Schumacher, who made a comeback.

It took time for the team to achieve success. Their first victory came in 2012 (in China), but it was after the introduction of the V6 turbo engines in 2014 that Mercedes dominated. With Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, who joined in 2013, the Silberpfeilen became the cars to beat. From 2014 to 2020, Hamilton clinched six world titles, while Rosberg secured one. No other team managed to win the championship during this period. Mercedes consistently showcased its superior engine performance year after year.

Record Opportunity for Hamilton in 2022

The 2022 season presents a prime opportunity for Hamilton to set a new record. The British driver has the chance to claim his eighth world title, surpassing the current shared record with Michael Schumacher. After losing the championship in 2021, Hamilton will be determined to seek sporting revenge and secure his eighth world title. However, this task will be more challenging as the 2022 regulations aim to level the playing field, making the title battle more thrilling.

Nevertheless, it would come as no surprise if Mercedes once again builds a dominant car. The team has been the consecutive constructor's champion since 2014, showcasing their technical expertise in building fast and competitive cars. Hamilton will likely have the opportunity to contend for the title. However, this time he will be without the support of Bottas, as Mercedes has replaced him with the young Russell. Russell is expected to become the new star of the team, especially considering Hamilton's contract runs for only two more seasons. The collaboration between Russell and Hamilton in 2022 will undoubtedly be fascinating to watch.

Confusion Surrounding Dual Nationality

Het gekke van het Formule 1-team van Mercedes is dat het twee nationaliteiten kent. Van oorsprong is de equipe van Hamilton en Bottas logischerwijs Duits, omdat Mercedes een Duits automerk is. Echter is het hoofdkwartier van de regerend wereldkampioen in het constructeurskampioenschap gevestigd in Brackley, in het Verenigd Koninkrijk. Dit heeft alles te maken met het feit dat bij de overname van Brawn GP, dat wel echt Brits was, ook de fabriek en de kantoren zijn blijven staan. 

Mercedes in 2019, 2020, and 2021

In 2019, Mercedes entered the Formula 1 season with their W10. The car had the same livery as Lewis Hamilton's vehicle from the previous year. The shakedown, where all components are tested for proper assembly and aerodynamic stability, took place at the Silverstone circuit in England. At the beginning of the season, Ferrari seemed poised to challenge the reigning champion. However, halfway through the season, the prancing horse began to fall behind, and Sebastian Vettel lost ground to Hamilton. Despite a strong start, teammate Valtteri Bottas couldn't keep up with the formidable British driver.

For the 2020 season, Mercedes once again established themselves as the team to beat. The German outfit retained their successful driver pairing from the previous years and looked strong during the winter tests. Bottas set the fastest time of the test weeks in Barcelona with a time of 1:15.732, clearly demonstrating their speed. Throughout the season, they maintained this impressive form and convincingly secured the title once again. Hamilton emerged as the champion, while Valtteri Bottas settled for second place. Max Verstappen closely followed in the drivers' championship, although he never came within striking distance of the title.

In 2021, Mercedes once again had the task of defending their world title. During the test days, they didn't perform as well as Red Bull Racing, and it seemed like the Austrian team could challenge the Silver Arrows. The competition remained close for a significant portion of the season, and there was even a brief moment when it seemed that Red Bull might take the championship. However, Mercedes ultimately managed to secure the constructor's title.

The year 2022 was less successful for Mercedes. The team did not build a great car and was unable to contend for the world title. It even marked Hamilton's first winless season, while newcomer George Russell achieved victory and claimed a Grand Prix for himself. It was the young Englishman's first triumph, which came during the Brazilian Grand Prix.