Mercedes’ modern Formula One journey began with the creation of their works team in 2010, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent in the Grand Prix world. The team immediately generated buzz with the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, but on-track performance soon took center stage. Nico Rosberg delivered early highlights, securing three podiums in their debut season and then achieving a breakthrough pole position and victory double at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2012.
Alt text: Nico Rosberg celebrates his victory at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix for Mercedes Formula One team, marking a significant milestone in Mercedes’ F1 return.
The subsequent season saw Rosberg partnered with Lewis Hamilton, forming a formidable duo. Together, they engaged in epic title battles as the Silver Arrows dominated Formula One, becoming one of the most powerful forces in the sport’s modern era. Their reign continued until challenged by the rise of Red Bull. Despite this shift, Mercedes remains a top contender with established race winner George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli in their driver lineup.
2024
The 2024 season saw Mercedes slip to fourth place in the overall standings, despite George Russell and Lewis Hamilton each securing two wins with the inconsistent W15 car. The season was also marked by the shocking announcement of Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari at the end of the year.
2023
2023 marked a winless year for Mercedes for the first time since 2011. The W14 car showed limited improvement over its predecessor. However, consistent development efforts allowed the team to overtake Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ championship in the final race of the season.
Alt text: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Mercedes Formula One drivers, during the 2023 F1 season, highlighting Mercedes’ ongoing efforts despite a challenging year.
2022
Major rule changes in 2022 reshaped the competitive landscape, and Mercedes’ W13 car did not meet expectations. The team finished behind Red Bull and Ferrari, settling for ‘best of the rest’. George Russell, the team’s newcomer, secured their only victory of the season and outperformed Lewis Hamilton, who experienced his first winless season in Formula One.
2021
The 2021 season presented the biggest challenge to Mercedes’ turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton narrowly lost the drivers’ championship to Max Verstappen of Red Bull, despite winning eight races. Nevertheless, the team managed to secure their eighth consecutive constructors’ title.
2020
In 2020, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton reached new heights of performance. Hamilton won 11 races, breaking numerous records and equalling Michael Schumacher’s seventh drivers’ title, even after missing a race due to Covid-19. Valtteri Bottas added two more wins, solidifying another dominant double championship for the Silver Arrows.
