Mercedes teases image of F1 car for 2022 rules overhaul
F1 is undergoing its biggest-ever rules overhaul this year, with a brand new car part of a set of regulations aimed at creating greater competition between the teams and producing closer, more exciting racing.
The 2022 cars will look strikingly different to their predecessors thanks to new aerodynamic regulations based around a ground-effect philosophy and the inclusion of a simplified front wing, endplate and a prescriptively-shaped rear wing.
Wheel covers will adorn Pirelli’s new 18-inch tyres for F1’s era as the world championship moves away from its long-used 13-inch compounds.
On New Year’s Day, Mercedes became the first team to provide a glimpse of the new generation of F1 cars by sharing a silhouette of what appears to be its W13 challenger, or a very early iteration of it.
Up until now, F1 had only released renders of its radical new concept for 2022. A full-size model was also presented at last year’s British Grand Prix for promotional purposes.
The image shared on social media by Mercedes featured the caption “New year, new Me-rcedes” and gave away little about the design that the German marque hopes will help it defend its constructors’ world title for a ninth consecutive year.
New year. New Me-rcedes. pic.twitter.com/y9SIEKaFhY
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 1, 2022
Only Mercedes’ logos are visible on the image which has been heavily darkened. It is not clear from the image whether the W13 will feature a black or silver livery.
However, a recent report by German publication Bild claimed that Mercedes is set to return to its traditional silver colour-scheme for the upcoming season after running its cars in an all-black, anti-racism livery for the past two years.
Last month, Mercedes published a short video revealing a successful first fire up of the new W13, with the Brackley-based outfit becoming the first F1 team to do so.
Mercedes remains the only team to have released any content relating to its 2022 car.
