Mercedes’ modern Formula 1 journey commenced in 2010 with the establishment of their works team, marking the foundation for a spectacular ascent in Grand Prix racing. The team immediately ignited excitement, largely fueled by the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher. However, it wasn’t long before headlines were made on the track itself. Their debut season saw them achieve three podium finishes, all secured by Nico Rosberg. Rosberg then went on to clinch a landmark pole position and victory double in China in 2012, signaling the team’s growing competitiveness.
The subsequent season witnessed the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, partnering with Rosberg. This pairing ignited epic title battles, as the Silver Arrows established an unparalleled dominance, becoming one of the most formidable forces in the contemporary Formula 1 landscape – a reign that continued until challenged by Red Bull. Despite Red Bull’s recent ascendancy, Mercedes remains a top contender, now featuring proven race winner George Russell alongside rising star Kimi Antonelli, solidifying their position as a team to watch.
2024
The 2024 season saw Mercedes slip to fourth in the overall standings, despite George Russell and Lewis Hamilton each securing two wins with the somewhat inconsistent W15 car. The season began with a seismic announcement: Hamilton’s impending departure to Ferrari at the end of the year, setting the stage for significant team changes.
2023
2023 marked an unusual year for Mercedes, failing to secure a Grand Prix victory for the first time since 2011. The W14 car proved to be only marginally improved from its predecessor. Nevertheless, consistent development efforts throughout the season enabled the team to surpass Ferrari in the constructors’ standings, ultimately clinching second place in the final round.
2022
Radical regulatory changes in 2022 significantly reshaped the competitive order in Formula 1. Mercedes’ W13 car, a bold design, did not fully meet expectations, positioning them as the leading team behind the dominant Red Bull and Ferrari. New team member George Russell achieved Mercedes’ single victory of the season and notably outperformed Lewis Hamilton, who experienced his first winless season in his illustrious F1 career.
2021
The 2021 season presented the most significant challenge to Mercedes’ dominance in the turbo-hybrid era. Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed out on the drivers’ championship title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite securing eight race wins. However, the team demonstrated resilience and managed to retain the constructors’ title for an unprecedented eighth consecutive season, showcasing their enduring strength.
2020
In 2020, Mercedes and particularly Lewis Hamilton reached new heights of performance. Hamilton achieved a staggering 11 race wins and shattered numerous records, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven drivers’ titles, despite missing a race due to Covid-19. Adding to the team’s success, Valtteri Bottas contributed two more wins, securing another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows, further cementing their place in Formula 1 history.
