Mercedes unveils all-black 2023 F1 car, the W14

F1 Test, Sakhir, Bahrain International Circuit

Mercedes became the latest F1 team to launch their 2023 campaign by taking the covers off the W14 with the Woking-based outfit returning to black livery for the upcoming season.

Just a day after Ferrari had introduced their 2023 F1 car, Mercedes have today unveiled their own challenger, the W14 that is set to steer the outfit back to championship-winning ways after a difficult season last year.

While the the aerodynamic philosophy has largely stayed, the team sprung a surprise by unveiling a black livery with which it returns to the special color scheme from 2020 and 2021 has. The team communicated that the the black is due to an attempt to reduce its overall weight.

Driving the W14 will be Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who line up for their second season together, supported by Mick Schumacher in his role as third driver.

Commenting on the launch, Team Principal Toto Wolff said: “Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a World Championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up.

“Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the Team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond. This year, we are going all in to get back in front.”

“The entire organisation was pushing flat out last year. When we realised that the car wasn’t where we wanted it to be, we mobilised every reserve we had. That never stopped throughout the season," concluded Wolff.

Seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton added: “I have been a part of this team for over a decade and the efforts of everyone never cease to amaze me. I find it inspiring how diligently and passionately each person approaches their work.”

Awaiting his second season with the German-Anglo outfit, Russell added: “I have been incredibly impressed with how the Team developed the car throughout last season. We have been building momentum throughout 2022 and we’re excited to see how that has progressed over the winter.”

After two years spent as a race driver at the Haas F1 Team, Mick Schumacher joins Mercedes, taking on the reserve driver role at the German-Anglo team.

The 23-year-old German said: “I’ve always felt very close to Mercedes. I am very happy to be a part of the Team and I know how important my role will be in aiding the development of the W14. I am committed to giving it my all to contribute to our performance in this competitive environment.”