The 2017 Formula 1 season marked a year of significant change and intense competition, and at the forefront of it all was the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team. As the reigning constructors’ champions, all eyes were on Mercedes to see if they could maintain their dominance in this new era of F1. For fans and analysts alike, the driver lineup was a crucial piece of the puzzle. This article delves into the Mercedes F1 drivers for 2017, examining who steered the Silver Arrows and their role in the season’s narrative.
The Confirmed Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Drivers for 2017
Mercedes entered the 2017 season with a revised driver pairing. While one seat was firmly secured, the other saw a fresh face join the team. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed Mercedes F1 drivers who took to the track in 2017:
Lewis Hamilton: Leading the charge for Mercedes was none other than Lewis Hamilton. The British driver, already a multiple-time world champion, was under contract with Mercedes and eager to add another title to his name. Driving car number 44, Hamilton was the established star within the team, bringing experience, speed, and a relentless competitive spirit. His contract with Mercedes was a clear signal of the team’s ambition and their commitment to keeping Hamilton at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas: Joining Hamilton in the Mercedes garage for the 2017 season was Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver made the switch from Williams to Mercedes, filling the seat vacated by Nico Rosberg’s unexpected retirement after winning the 2016 championship. Bottas, driving car number 77, was signed to a contract with Mercedes, marking a significant step up in his career. Known for his consistent performances and speed, Bottas was expected to be a strong teammate for Hamilton and contribute valuable points to the team’s championship campaign.
Mercedes Test/Reserve/Third Drivers in 2017
While Hamilton and Bottas were the primary drivers for the 2017 season, Formula 1 teams often have test, reserve, or third drivers who play a crucial role behind the scenes. As of the information available at the beginning of the 2017 season, the test/reserve/third driver for Mercedes was listed as “TBC” (To Be Confirmed). This indicates that Mercedes may have been evaluating options or had not yet publicly announced their full lineup of support drivers at the time this information was compiled.
The Wider 2017 F1 Driver Line-up
To provide context for Mercedes’ driver selection, it’s helpful to look at the driver lineups of the other teams competing in the 2017 Formula 1 season. Here’s a quick overview:
Red Bull Racing:
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Max Verstappen
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Pierre Gasly
Ferrari:
- Sebastian Vettel
- Kimi Räikkönen
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Antonio Giovinazzi
Force India:
- Sergio Pérez
- Esteban Ocon
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Alfonso Celis
Williams:
- Felipe Massa
- Lance Stroll
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Paul di Resta
McLaren:
- Fernando Alonso
- Stoffel Vandoorne
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Jenson Button, Oliver Turvey
Toro Rosso:
- Daniil Kvyat
- Carlos Sainz Jnr
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Sean Gelael
Haas:
- Romain Grosjean
- Kevin Magnussen
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Santino Ferrucci, Antonio Giovinazzi
Renault:
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Jolyon Palmer
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Sergey Sirotkin
Sauber:
- Marcus Ericsson
- Pascal Wehrlein
- Test/Reserve/Third Driver: Charles Leclerc
Conclusion: Mercedes Set for a Strong 2017 Campaign
In conclusion, the Mercedes F1 driver lineup for 2017 was a blend of proven talent and fresh potential. With Lewis Hamilton leading the team and Valtteri Bottas joining to complete the pairing, Mercedes aimed to continue their streak of success in Formula 1. The 2017 season would prove to be another thrilling chapter in F1 history, with Mercedes, spearheaded by their drivers, playing a central role in the unfolding drama.
