Mercedes are the next team to unveil their 2025 F1 car as momentum builds towards the new season.
The Silver Arrows, who have lost Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari this year, will launch the W16 car this afternoon in a digital-only launch. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will then drive the car in a shakedown in Bahrain on Tuesday.
The official three-day pre-season test starts at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, two weeks before the first race of the season in Australia.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has threatened to boycott any future F1 launch events held in England after being booed in London at F1 75 Live last week.
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Max Verstappen threatens boycott after being booed at F1 launch event in London
Max Verstappen has threatened to boycott any future F1 launches which take place in England after being booed by sections of the British crowd at F1 75 Live last week.
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen appeared on screen to a mixed reception, with initial boos being drowned out eventually by cheers, after being introduced by host Jack Whitehall in London last Tuesday.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and former F1 driver, told RaceXpress over the weekend that it was “unacceptable” that his son was booed by the 15,000-strong crowd.
Kieran Jackson24 February 2025 10:13
When is pre-season testing?
The official pre-season test takes place from Wednesday 26 February to Friday 28 February.
In line with previous years, the track will be open for eight hours each day, starting at 7am (GMT) and ending at 4pm (GMT).
Barring any injuries, illness or car breakdowns, each driver will get 12 hours of time in the car over the course of the three days.
Kieran Jackson24 February 2025 10:08
Who is Lewis Hamilton’s replacement Kimi Antonelli?
Antonelli, 18, has been on Mercedes’ books since joining their junior programme at 11 years old. In the years since, he has won numerous karting and single-seater competitions, which has thrust him into the spotlight at such a young age.
In 2023, he won both the Formula Regional Championships in Europe and the Middle East and Mercedes, in partnership with Prema. decided that the highly-rated youngster should skip F3 in 2024.
Antonelli finished sixth in the 2024 F2 standings and on the same weekend as his 2025 F1 seat was announced at Monza in September, Antonelli crashed just 10 minutes into his first practice session at Parabolica corner.
Mercedes F1 car launch!
Mercedes are the next team to unveil their 2025 F1 car as momentum builds towards the new season.
The Silver Arrows, who have lost Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari this year, will launch the W16 car this afternoon in a digital-only launch. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will then drive the car in a shakedown in Bahrain on Tuesday.
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Kieran Jackson24 February 2025 10:00