Mercedes has unveiled the new-look 2024 Formula 1 car, named the W15, with the aim of challenging Red Bull and aiming for the top spot in the competition.

The final Mercedes that Lewis Hamilton will drive before leaving for Ferrari has been unveiled as the former champions change their design approach and also reveal a revamped livery for the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes took the wraps off the heavily-revised car, dubbed as a “complete relaunch,” with the aim of closing the gap to Red Bull in the 2024 Formula 1 championship. The W15 features significant changes in car concept and a striking new livery, integrating Mercedes’ traditional silver on the car’s nose along with the green of title sponsor Petronas, alongside the black of recent seasons.

This car holds a special significance for Lewis Hamilton, as it will be the 12th and final one that he drives for the team before making the high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton made his first public appearance since the news of his Ferrari move emerged at the launch event from Silverstone, accompanying team boss Toto Wolff and teammate George Russell.

The unveiling was accompanied by anticipation as Hamilton and Russell prepared for their first laps in the W15 at the British Grand Prix venue. Subsequently, the car and team are slated to head to Bahrain for pre-season testing on February 21-23, providing the drivers with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new challenger.

Wolff emphasized that the W15 signifies a “complete relaunch” of the team’s approach to the current era of regulations, which has been largely dominated by rivals Red Bull. The team’s previous two seasons were marked by under-achievement following F1’s technical rule overhaul, prompting Mercedes to implement substantial changes to their design approach in pursuit of success.

With Red Bull’s dominance evident in their 21 wins out of 22 races last season, Mercedes recognized the critical nature of the upcoming 2024 season, even before learning of Hamilton’s impending departure. The team faced a significant challenge amid Red Bull’s supremacy, prompting them to re-evaluate their design approach and pursue a different development path with the W15.

The new chassis design for 2024 reflects Mercedes’ commitment to providing more consistent and predictable rear downforce, thereby empowering the drivers to attack corners with confidence. As Red Bull’s advantage was significant last year, with their second successive Constructors’ Championship victory, the anticipation surrounding the potential for a full-scale challenge to the world champions remains cautious among their immediate rivals.

Overall, Mercedes’ unveiling of the W15 represents a pivotal moment in the team’s pursuit of success in the 2024 Formula 1 season, marked by significant design changes and a revamped livery. The stage is set for an intriguing battle as the new season approaches, with teams and drivers gearing up for the challenge that lies ahead.