Mercedes’ modern Formula 1 journey began in 2010 with the establishment of a works team, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent in Grand Prix racing. The team immediately generated buzz with the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, and the excitement quickly translated to on-track results. Their debut season saw three podium finishes, all secured by Nico Rosberg. Rosberg then achieved a significant milestone in 2012, claiming pole position and victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Alt text: Nico Rosberg celebrating his victory at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
The subsequent year marked a pivotal moment as Lewis Hamilton joined Rosberg, forming a formidable partnership. This duo engaged in epic title battles, propelling the Silver Arrows to unprecedented dominance and establishing them as a leading force in the modern Formula 1 era, a reign that lasted until challenged by Red Bull Racing. Despite the rise of competitors, Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team remains a team to be reckoned with, now featuring the talents of proven race winner George Russell alongside rising star Kimi Antonelli.
2024
The 2024 season saw Mercedes slip to fourth in the overall standings, despite George Russell and Lewis Hamilton each securing two victories with the often unpredictable W15 car. A major announcement at the start of the season revealed Hamilton’s impending departure to Ferrari at the end of the year, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s dynamics.
Alt text: Lewis Hamilton driving the Mercedes W15 Formula 1 car during the 2024 season, representing Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport.
2023
2023 was a challenging year for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team as they failed to win a Grand Prix for the first time since 2011. The W14 car proved to be only marginally better than its predecessor. However, consistent development efforts throughout the season allowed the team to overtake Ferrari and secure second place in the constructors’ championship at the final race.
2022
Significant regulation changes in 2022 reshaped the competitive landscape of Formula 1, and Mercedes’ W13 car did not meet expectations. This resulted in Mercedes becoming the ‘best of the rest’, trailing behind Red Bull and Ferrari. George Russell, in his first year with the team, secured Mercedes’ only victory of the season and outperformed Lewis Hamilton, who experienced his first winless season in his Formula 1 career.
Alt text: George Russell celebrating his first Formula 1 victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
2021
The 2021 season presented the most significant challenge to Mercedes’ turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton narrowly lost the drivers’ championship to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite winning eight races. Nevertheless, the team managed to maintain their grip on the constructors’ title, securing their eighth consecutive championship.
2020
In 2020, Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, and particularly Lewis Hamilton, reached new heights of performance. Hamilton won 11 races and broke numerous records on his way to equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven drivers’ titles, even after missing a race due to Covid-19. Valtteri Bottas added two more wins, contributing to another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows.
