Formula 1 enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2023 season, which will see some exciting changes in the sport. One of the most anticipated events in the lead-up to the season is pre-season testing, which is held in Bahrain this year. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team is one of the leading teams in the sport, having won the Constructors’ Championship for eight consecutive years from 2014 to 2021. In this article, we will take a closer look at the team’s pre-season testing in Bahrain and what we can expect from them in the upcoming season.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team’s First Impressions
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team arrived in Bahrain with their new car, the W14, which has been the focus of intense development and testing over the last few months. The team was excited to get the car out on track and test its capabilities in real-world conditions. The first day of testing was challenging, with cold and greasy conditions making it difficult for the drivers to get a feel for the car.
George Russell, who will be driving for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team for the first time this season, was upbeat about the team’s progress. “It’s great to get on track with the W14. It was very cold and greasy out there today, but the car ran smoothly, and we completed all the laps we are permitted to do. We know pre-season testing in Bahrain will be the first real test of the car. Nevertheless, it looks great out on circuit and the feeling from within the car is so far, so good.”
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and Mercedes-AMG Petronas team’s lead driver, was also positive about the team’s progress. “It has been great to get up and running with the W14. It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard; I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort that has gone in. The day has been smooth; we got through a good programme, and we’ve come away with some useful findings. I generally felt comfortable in the car and I’m excited to get going in Bahrain.”
Andrew Shovlin, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team’s chief race engineer, was pleased with the team’s performance on the first day of testing. “We’ve had a solid start to the programme for W14. Conditions weren’t great for filming or running but we completed the permitted 100km without any issues, and both drivers have been able to give us a good assessment of their first impressions of the car. Bahrain will be very different to a cold, wet Silverstone but everything seems to be working well. Hopefully we can hit the ground running next week and maximise the three days of pre-season testing that we have.”
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team’s Expectations for the Season
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team is one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, having won numerous championships over the years. The team is expected to be a strong contender for the championship once again this season, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell behind the wheel of the W14.
The team has undergone significant changes in the lead-up to the season, with the departure of team principal Toto Wolff and the arrival of new technical director James Allison. However, the team remains confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.
Lewis Hamilton, who has been with the team since 2013, is looking forward to the new season and is determined to add to his seven world championship titles.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Launch, Silverstone, 2023, Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE, Lewis Hamilton
