Mercedes and Williams confirms the launch dates for their 2023 F1 cars
Mercedes and Williams have become the latest F1 teams to reveal the launch date for their cars with which they intend to compete in the 2023 F1 season.
Mercedes will reveal its challenger on February 15 with the new car set to carry the name of W14. The eight-time world champion team will show off their new challenger in a special digital event from Silverstone ahead of a likely shakedown.
The team endured a difficult season in 2022 as they were unable to master the all-new technical regulations in a way that Red Bull and Ferrari were able to do. However, the Brackley-based outfit managed to improve the competitiveness of its W13 towards the end of the year, confirming the progress in Brazil where George Russell headed Lewis Hamilton in a dominant Mercedes one-two.
Ahead of the new season, the team said: “Forged from the challenges of the testing 2022 campaign with the W13, which forced the Team to confront and overcome numerous challenges, the W14 builds on the lessons learned last year.
“The progress enabled by the efforts and determination of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth helped achieve stronger results from mid-season onwards, culminating in a 1-2 finish at the São Paulo Grand Prix.”
Williams have also revealed their plans for a ‘season launch’ in which Alex Albon and new team mate Logan Sargeant will be on hand to show off the team’s 2023 colours.
The pre-season launch event will be staged on the team’s official website at 14:00 GMT on February 6.
The Grove based outfit ended a difficult season with the 2022 campaign yielding only eight points. The British squad will begin the season with a new Team Principal after Jost Capito stepped aside following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign. The team is yet to confirm the person who will replace the German. Williams also seeks for a new Technical Director as FX Demaison has left his position after spending just over a year with Williams.
After joining the team last season, Thai-British driver Alexander Albon will continue with Williams in the new season, but will be joined by the former Formula 2 driver Logan Sargeant who replaces Nicholas Latifi.
“It’s a huge honour and a dream come true to be given this opportunity to compete in Formula 1 with Williams Racing,” stated the American driver.
“A massive thank you to every person at Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for the support they’ve given me since the day I first joined the team at the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
“Being a part of the Williams Driver Academy for the past year has given me an important platform to develop as a driver and prepare me for this next chapter. I’m ready and excited to be a part of this journey as the team looks to progress up the grid, “ Sargeant said.
