Mercedes show off their 2025 F1 car ahead of the pre-season testing

F1 Grand Prix, GP Qatar, Losail International Circuit

Mercedes have become the latest team to pull the cover off their 2025 F1 car, the W16 that will be piloted by George Russell and 18-year-old Italian racer, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Mercedes have already revealed their livery for the upcoming 2025 F1 season, but they elected to show off their new challenger ahead of its on-track debut at the Bahrain International Circuit, just two days before the start of pre-season testing.

Speaking on the eve of the new car, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff noted: “We open an exciting new era in the story of our team and Mercedes-AMG motorsport in 2025. We are building on the incredible legacy of our heritage, and we can’t wait to go racing.

“Everyone at the team, in Brackley and Brixworth, has been hard at work over the winter. Last season was incredibly competitive on the track and, whilst we took several wins, we are all focused on challenging for victories more consistently. We have made gains in the off-season, but we will only know where we stand come the first race in Australia,” he continues.

It will be the first time since 2012 that Mercedes embark on a season without seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. George Russell will lead the team following the record champion's departure, alongside 18-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

“We have an exciting line-up to help us achieve our objectives. Both drivers have progressed through our junior programme and that is a vindication of our commitment to both supporting and developing talent.

“George has proven that he is one of the very best drivers on the grid, capable of competing for the Drivers’ Championship if we can give him a car capable of doing so. As the senior driver, he will help lead the team forward and support Kimi in his development.

“Kimi has all the necessary talent to achieve great things at the pinnacle of the sport, but this is a rookie season and there will inevitably be ups and downs. We’re looking forward to that journey together though and helping him develop over the course of the year,” Toto says.

Speaking ahead of the season, Russell noted: “I feel like last year was my strongest in F1. This coming season will be my seventh in the sport, and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I’m working hard to improve year-on-year.

“As a team, we are incredibly motivated to improve on last season. There is a great energy within the factories at Brackley and Brixworth so I’m eager to take to the track.

“It’s also exciting having a new team-mate in Kimi this year. He’s incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership. Naturally, there is a lot for him to learn in his first season but I’m looking forward to helping him do that and working together to help push the team forward,” he continues.

Kimi Antonelli has risen through the junior ranks quickly. Whilst he enters F1 at 18 years old, his youth has not stopped him from impressing at each rung on the single-seater ladder, with titles in F4, Formula Regional, and race wins in F2 last year.

“I’m excited to make my debut in F1 this year,” says the Italian. “It is a great opportunity, and I am very thankful to everyone at Mercedes for the faith and trust they’ve placed in me. I’ve been working really hard over the winter to be as ready as I can possibly be and now, I can’t wait to get started.

“My focus is on continuing to learn, being consistent, and doing the best job I can for the team. I’m looking forward to working with George; we’re already gelling well and it’s great to have the support of someone who has come through the junior programme too. “He is an incredibly strong driver and together I think we will make a great duo,” the Italian concluded.

Russell and Antonelli will be backed up by Third Driver Valtteri Bottas and Reserve Driver Fred Vesti. The 10-time Grand Prix winner returns to the team having been part of five Constructors’ Championships for the Silver Arrows from 2017 to 2021, whilst Vesti continues in his role from last year.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back with Mercedes. It feels like I’m home. It’s been great to catch up with former colleagues and I’m really looking forward to helping the team both on and off the track.

“As Third Driver, I will be at every Grand Prix providing support and that extra set of eyes. I will also be at the factory helping develop the car in the simulator too. I can’t wait to get started," Bottas concluded.

Vesti commented: “It’s great to return for another year as Reserve Driver. I’ve been a part of the Mercedes team for several years now and it really is my family.

“I’m looking forward to working with George, Kimi, Valtteri, and the wider team to help develop the car and push the team forward.”