Mercedes marked their modern Formula 1 comeback with the inception of a works team in 2010, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent in the Grand Prix hierarchy. The team immediately ignited fervor with the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher, yet the spotlight soon shifted to on-track achievements: three podium finishes in their inaugural season, all secured by Nico Rosberg. Rosberg then clinched a groundbreaking pole position and victory double in China in 2012. The subsequent season saw him partnered with Lewis Hamilton, and this duo proceeded to engage in legendary title duels as the Silver Arrows surged ahead, establishing themselves as a dominant force in contemporary F1 – until Red Bull emerged to challenge their supremacy. Nonetheless, with seasoned race winner George Russell now joined by rising star Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes undeniably remains a formidable contender.
2024
Despite securing two victories each for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with the inconsistent W15, the team experienced a drop to fourth place overall. The season commenced with the shocking declaration of Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari at the end of the year, marking a significant shift in the Mercedes F1 Driver lineup.
2023
For the first time since 2011, Mercedes did not secure a Grand Prix victory as the W14 demonstrated marginal improvement over its predecessor. However, persistent development efforts ultimately enabled the team to seize second place in the constructors’ standings, surpassing Ferrari in the season’s final race. The Mercedes F1 drivers, Hamilton and Russell, pushed the car to its limits, maximizing points despite the car’s limitations.
2022
Radical regulatory changes disrupted the competitive order, and Mercedes’ W13 fell short of expectations, positioning them as the ‘best of the rest’ trailing Red Bull and Ferrari. Newcomer George Russell achieved their solitary victory – and outperformed Lewis Hamilton, who experienced a winless season for the first time in his Formula 1 career. This season highlighted the adaptability of Mercedes F1 drivers to drastically different car performance.
2021
Mercedes encountered the most substantial challenge to their turbo-hybrid era dominance yet. Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed securing the drivers’ championship, losing to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen despite winning eight races. Nevertheless, the team narrowly retained the constructors’ title, marking their eighth consecutive triumph. The Mercedes F1 driver pairing of Hamilton and Bottas demonstrated resilience under intense pressure.
2020
Just when it seemed Mercedes had reached their peak, they – and particularly Lewis Hamilton – elevated their performance even further. The reigning champion achieved victory in 11 races and shattered numerous records en route to equalling Schumacher’s seven drivers’ titles, despite missing a race due to Covid-19. Adding two wins from Valtteri Bottas, the Silver Arrows secured yet another dominant double championship. The sheer dominance of Mercedes F1 drivers in 2020 cemented their legacy.
