Mercedes explains decision to return to silver F1 livery

For the last two campaigns, Mercedes decided to run a striking black livery as part of its anti-racism message and aims to make the Brackley-based outfit more diverse.

Mercedes has traditionally raced in silver which led to the nickname ‘Silver Arrows’.

Speaking at the launch of Mercedes 2022 challenger - the W13 - Wolff confirmed that returning to silver is part of the team’s ‘DNA’, but black will continue to feature in its colour scheme. 

“The black livery was a clear intent and a clear demonstration of our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive team,” Wolff explained. “It has become part of our DNA, but the silver colour of the Silver Arrows is as much our DNA, it’s our history.

“As a team we have grown from the Silver Arrows to slowly becoming a more diverse and inclusive team and therefore our colours going forward will be silver and black.”

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has been vocal in wanting change in F1 and wider motorsport, in making it more diverse.

Mercedes’ switch to a black livery was part of that as well as launching Accelerate 25 programme - a project set up by the eight-time constructors’ champions to improve diversity and inclusion.

Wolff said that Mercedes' push for diversity isn’t simply about meeting a percentage but employing the best people regardless of their background.

“Increasing the diversity of our team isn’t about meeting a quota, it’s about recruiting the very best people regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation,” he added.

“Our work inspiring people who might otherwise think a career in engineering, technology or motorsport isn’t for them will widen the talent pool we have available. A diverse workforce drives performance.”