Mercedes AMG Petronas has launched their new car, the W08 EQ Power + at the Silverstone International Circuit in an event on Thursday. The new car will be driven by 3-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and new signee Valterri Bottas for the 2017 Formula One Season. The former tested the slightly upgraded car and said that there were a few improvements to be made.
The W08 features a largely unchanged livery with some minor changes like the reduction of the colour black on the engine cover and the addition of turquoise blue lines instead of a plain, dark shade of the same colour around the car. Personally, I feel disappointed that Mercedes has decided not to change their livery as this would eventually become very monotonous for the fans.
Technically speaking, Mercedes have taken the 2016 car and simply altered it as per the 2017 regulations. They have used a similar front wing and have also decided not to run with a Shark Fin Engine Cover. Instead, the defending World Champions have chosen to use an S-Duct Engine Cover which, all teams, including Mercedes used last season. Some minor aero objects have also been attached on the Rear Wing and the Air Intake.
The German team will use their all new power unit, the HPP (High Performance Powertrain) V6 Hybrid Turbo. Mercedes are confident about both, their new car and their fresh power unit; they may be the team to beat for this season.
Mercedes’ decision of not using a completely new car could be very smart. For the last 3 seasons, They have been the benchmark in terms of both, the power unit and the whole car in itself. Since they dominated the field last season with similar parts, they have a good experience of how well the parts can work and do not need to make the car largely experimental; they will be sure of their ability instead of going into the unknown with their design.
Mercedes have played it very safe and this move might just turn out to be a masterstroke.
I would rate this car an 8 out of 10 thanks to Mercedes’ very smart tactic which could crown them as World Champions for the 4th successive season. I would have rated this car a little higher if the livery was different form that traditionally used. I wish Mercedes the best for the forthcoming Formula One Season!
None of the images used in this article belong to me. Credits to whomsoever they may belong to.
You might also like
