Mercedes’ resurgence in Formula 1 began in 2010 with the formation of a works team, laying the groundwork for a spectacular ascent through the Grand Prix ranks. The team immediately generated considerable buzz, largely due to the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, a name synonymous with driving excellence. However, it wasn’t long before the team’s on-track performance began to command attention. In their debut season, Mercedes secured three podium finishes, all achieved by Nico Rosberg. Rosberg continued to impress, claiming a landmark pole position and victory double at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2012, demonstrating the growing potential of the drivers for Mercedes. The subsequent year marked a significant shift as Lewis Hamilton joined Rosberg, creating a formidable driver pairing. This duo would go on to engage in epic title battles, propelling the Silver Arrows to unprecedented dominance and establishing them as one of the most powerful forces in modern Formula 1 history – a reign that lasted until the emergence of Red Bull. Despite the shifting landscape, Mercedes remains a top contender. With the experienced race winner George Russell now joined by the highly anticipated rising star Kimi Antonelli, the driver lineup for Mercedes signals their continued ambition to compete at the highest level of Formula 1.
2024
The 2024 season saw Mercedes slip to fourth place in the constructors’ championship, despite securing two victories each for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with the inconsistent W15 car. A major announcement at the start of the season shook the F1 world: Lewis Hamilton, a long-term and iconic Driver For Mercedes, would be departing for Ferrari at the end of the year. This news marked the end of an era and prompted speculation about the future driver strategy for Mercedes.
2023
For the first time since 2011, Mercedes failed to win a Grand Prix in 2023. The W14 car proved to be only marginally better than its predecessor, highlighting the challenges faced by the team in adapting to the new regulations. Despite the lack of wins, relentless development efforts allowed the team to overtake Ferrari in the standings and secure second place at the final round of the season, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the drivers and the Mercedes team as a whole.
2022
Radical changes in regulations significantly reshaped the competitive order in 2022. Mercedes’ W13 car missed the mark, placing them behind Red Bull and Ferrari in the pecking order. Newcomer George Russell secured the team’s only victory of the season and outscored Lewis Hamilton, who experienced his first winless season in his Formula 1 career. This season marked a significant shift in driver performance dynamics within the Mercedes team.
2021
The 2021 season presented the biggest challenge to Mercedes’ turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, narrowly lost his drivers’ championship title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite winning eight races. However, the team managed to maintain their constructors’ title, securing it for an unprecedented eighth consecutive season, highlighting the consistent overall performance of the Mercedes team and its drivers.
2020
In 2020, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton reached new heights of performance. Hamilton, the leading driver for Mercedes, won 11 races and broke numerous records en route to securing his seventh drivers’ title, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. This achievement was even more remarkable considering he missed a race due to Covid-19. Valtteri Bottas, the second driver for Mercedes at the time, added two more wins, resulting in another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows, cementing their status as the team to beat.
