Mercedes AMG was the eighth team to launch their new 2022 car; the W13. It was also Lewis Hamilton’s return to the public eye since the chaotic 2021 season-ender in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton was joined by Team Principal Toto Wolff and new teammate George Russel. Rumours had swirled in the aftermath of the finale about Hamilton’s retirement, but he adamantly point out that it wasn’t on the cards.
“I never ever said I was going to stop,” Lewis stated. “It was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back, focus on being present, so I had my family all around me and creating great moments. “Eventually, I got to a point where I decided I’m going to be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto [Wolff] and George [Russell].”
The Return of the Silver Arrows
The 2022 season sees the team return to its famous silver colour after two seasons of running a black livery. The black livery was used to raise awareness of their push for diversity and the team’s anti-racism message. Toto Wolff reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion and diversity. He stated “The black livery was a clear intent, and a clear demonstration of our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive team. It has become part of our DNA; but the silver colour of the Silver Arrows is as much our DNA, it’s our history. As a team we have grown from the Silver Arrows to slowly becoming a more diverse and inclusive team and therefore our colours going forward will be silver and black.”
The team will be looking forward to quickly adapting to the new regulations. Hamilton looked well-rested and invigorated after his social media hiatus. Wolff stating “I have never seen him more determined. He’s had a great break, and he looks calm and ready.”
Speaking on Russell, after moving from Williams this season “George is just getting on with the job. I know he’s had a good winter of training and we’ve seen him in the factory, working on the simulator and with his engineers. This team has always been his home and therefore the transition to driving for us has been very smooth. “
Shaking down the W13 E Performance
After the live stream, the team headed to Silverstone for shakedown testing. The weather was gloomy but both drivers looked happy to finally be behind the wheel again. George Russell was first to jump behind the wheel with Hamilton taking the later session. Enjoy the gallery of the W13 below.
