Mercedes’ modern Formula 1 journey began in 2010 with the establishment of their works team, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent in Grand Prix racing. The Mercedes-Benz Petronas team immediately captured attention with the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, but soon the focus shifted to their on-track performance. In their debut season, the team secured three podium finishes, all thanks to Nico Rosberg. Rosberg continued to make headlines in 2012, achieving a groundbreaking pole position and victory double at the Chinese Grand Prix. The subsequent year marked a pivotal moment as Lewis Hamilton joined Rosberg, forming a dynamic duo that would engage in legendary title battles. The Silver Arrows, as they became known, dominated the sport, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable teams in modern Formula 1 history, until the rise of Red Bull. Looking ahead, with established race winner George Russell now partnered with the highly anticipated rising star Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team remains a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.
2024
Despite facing inconsistencies with the W15, the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team demonstrated their competitive spirit in 2024, securing two victories each for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. However, these wins weren’t enough to elevate them beyond fourth place in the overall standings. A major announcement shook the F1 world at the start of the season: Lewis Hamilton declared his departure to Ferrari at the end of the year, signaling a significant shift within the team and the sport.
2023
The 2023 season marked a rare winless year for the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team, the first since 2011. The W14 proved to be only marginally improved from its predecessor, presenting considerable challenges on track. Nevertheless, the team’s commitment to relentless development paid off. Through consistent upgrades and strategic improvements, Mercedes managed to overtake Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, securing second place overall in the final round of the season, showcasing their resilience and determination even in adversity.
2022
Radical changes in regulations for the 2022 season significantly reshaped the Formula 1 hierarchy. Mercedes-Benz Petronas team’s W13 car, a radical design, unfortunately missed the mark in terms of outright performance. This placed them behind the dominant Red Bull Racing and a resurgent Ferrari team, relegating Mercedes to the ‘best of the rest’ position. In a season of adaptation, newcomer George Russell delivered a standout performance, securing the team’s 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, highlighting the challenges faced by the team in adapting to the new regulations.
2021
The 2021 season presented the most intense challenge to the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team’s turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton, despite a strong season with eight race wins, narrowly lost the drivers’ championship title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a dramatic and controversial season finale. However, the team’s collective strength and consistent performance throughout the year allowed them to narrowly secure the constructors’ title. This victory marked their unprecedented eighth consecutive constructors’ championship, further cementing their place in Formula 1 history even amidst fierce competition.
2020
In a display of unparalleled excellence, the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team, 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 clinched his seventh drivers’ world title, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record, despite missing a race due to Covid-19. Valtteri Bottas contributed an additional two wins, resulting in another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows. This season underscored the Mercedes-Benz Petronas team’s relentless pursuit of perfection and their ability to consistently raise the benchmark in Formula 1.
