Mercedes’ modern Formula 1 journey began with the ambitious creation of a works team in 2010, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent in the world of Grand Prix racing. The team immediately captured attention with the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, but it was on-track performance that soon dominated headlines. In their debut season, Mercedes secured three podium finishes, all thanks to Nico Rosberg. Rosberg then achieved a significant milestone in 2012 at the Chinese Grand Prix, claiming both pole position and victory.
The following year marked a pivotal moment as Lewis Hamilton joined Rosberg, forming a formidable partnership. This duo went on to engage in legendary title battles, propelling the Silver Arrows to unprecedented dominance. Mercedes became a powerhouse, arguably the most dominant force in the modern F1 era, until challenged by Red Bull. Today, with the experienced race winner George Russell alongside the highly anticipated rising star Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes remains a team to be reckoned with, constantly striving for victory.
2024 Season: Navigating a Challenging Year
The 2024 season presented Mercedes with unexpected challenges, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the constructors’ standings despite securing two victories each for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with the often unpredictable W15 car. The season began with a seismic announcement that shook the F1 world: Lewis Hamilton would be departing for Ferrari at the end of the year, marking the end of an era for Mercedes.
2023 Season: Development and Resilience
2023 was a year of rebuilding and relentless effort for Mercedes. For the first time since 2011, the team did not achieve a Grand Prix victory. The W14 car, initially, showed limited improvement over its predecessor. However, the team’s unwavering commitment to development throughout the season proved crucial. Mercedes demonstrated their engineering prowess by consistently improving the car’s performance, ultimately securing second place in the constructors’ championship, surpassing Ferrari in the final race of the season.
2022 Season: Adapting to Radical Changes
The 2022 season brought significant rule changes to Formula 1, shaking up the competitive order. Mercedes’ W13 car, a radical design, unfortunately missed the mark in terms of outright performance. This placed Mercedes behind Red Bull and Ferrari in the pecking order, establishing them as the ‘best of the rest’. In this challenging season, newcomer George Russell delivered a standout performance, securing Mercedes’ sole victory of the year. Notably, Russell also outscored his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who experienced his first winless season in his illustrious Formula 1 career.
2021 Season: The Peak of Turbo-Hybrid Dominance and a Fierce Challenge
The 2021 season marked the most significant challenge to Mercedes’ turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton, despite winning eight races, narrowly lost the drivers’ championship title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a season-long, intense battle. Despite this driver’s title loss, Mercedes showcased their team strength and consistency by narrowly securing the constructors’ title for an unprecedented eighth consecutive season, highlighting their exceptional engineering and operational excellence.
2020 Season: Setting New Benchmarks of Excellence
In a display of unparalleled performance, Mercedes, and particularly Lewis Hamilton, reached new heights in the 2020 season. Hamilton dominated the championship, winning an astounding 11 races and breaking numerous records along the way. He secured his seventh drivers’ world title, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record, despite missing one race due to Covid-19. Valtteri Bottas, also contributing to the team’s success, added two more victories. This collective performance resulted in another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows, further cementing their legacy in Formula 1 history.
