Londres, United Kingdom (AFP) — Mercedes on Monday unveiled their 2025 F1 car ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain as they adjust to life without Lewis Hamilton.

The British-based team digitally launched the W16 days after unveiling its livery at Formula One’s glitzy season launch in London.

It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes following Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, with rookie Kimi Antonelli stepping up to re place the seven-time world champion as teammate to George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas will act as a reserve driver after previously racing for the team between 2017 and 2021.

Mercedes, who won eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014, won four races in 2024, two each for Russell and Hamilton, the team’s first victories since 2022.

But the car was inconsistent and Mercedes finished fourth in the constructors’ championship behind McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.

“It is going to be a highly competitive season,” said team principal Toto Wolff. “We saw last year just how close the field was.

“You couldn’t say race-to-race who would be at the front, and I expect this year to be even closer. We will have to be at our very best if we want to challenge for championships this season.”

He added: “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.”