Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport took the first step on the road to the 2017 Formula One season with the official presentation of the new F1 W08 EQ Power+.
The new car’s launch happened in the Silverstone garages via a live 360-degree broadcast on Facebook, YouTube and the Team’s official website. That way the team reinforced the “fan first” approach that has grown Mercedes’ social media community into the sport’s largest, at over 14 million people.
The all-new F1 W08 has been designed to maximize the performance opportunities offered by radically different aerodynamic regulations for 2017.
The M08 EQ Power+ is the fourth iteration of the Turbo Hybrid generation of Power Units. It has been conceived to withstand significantly increased physical loads and a more severe duty cycle under the new rules.
Upon unveiling the new Mercedes F1 W08, Toto Wolff commented:
“The new rules for 2017 were designed to make the fastest F1 cars ever through a big increase in aerodynamic performance. They should be more physical to drive and hopefully more spectacular for the fans to watch. The proof will come in the opening races but we have probably achieved that target.
“Of course, in terms of relative performance, it’s clear that any rule change brings with it a big reset but also a big opportunity. This is the time to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. None of the teams has raced under these rules and we all have the same points right now: zero.
“But the dominant feeling in the team right now is one of excitement – the factory is buzzing with anticipation. It has been a really motivating challenge to develop a brand new car concept. And I have never seen our determination to succeed higher than it is right now.
“Of course, we had a curve ball from Nico [Roberg] late last year that left us scrambling a little bit in the winter. But we found a great solution with Valtteri [Bottas] and I am sure that he will form a strong partnership with Lewis [Hamilton]. They have both been working hard in the factory with the technical teams. Although we have a different dynamic to manage than in recent seasons, I don’t expect the competition between them to be less intense. And that’s how we like it.”
“This year, in-season development will play a big role in determining the championship outcome”
“None of us know where we will stand at the first race. But I am confident that, whatever that position is, we have the people and the capability to deal with every challenge that comes our way. This will be the season where our full works team can show its true strength.”
The launch was not just the premiere of a new car
It also marked the global debut of a new technology label throughout the model range of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz.
At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new product brand for electric mobility: EQ. The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence”. It is a derivative from the Mercedes-Benz brand values of “Emotion and Intelligence”. EQ aims to make electric mobility simple, comfortable, safe and accessible for everybody.
From the forthcoming facelift of the S-Class, all future Mercedes-Benz Plug-In Hybrids will carry the designation “EQ Power”. And the launch of the F1 W08 EQ Power+ makes the new F1 car the first Mercedes-AMG Hybrid to receive the “EQ Power+” designation. It will be part of the names of all future Mercedes-AMG performance hybrids.
The new model designation has a graphic translation into the livery of the W08. This is the electric blue visual representation of the airflow across the car. It runs from the front wing to trailing edge of the sidepods. This distinctive signature derives from the electro-look of the Concept EQ unveiled last year.
FIRST LOOK: Lewis Hamilton takes the brand new Mercedes-AMG #F1 W08 #EQPower+ for its first laps around Silverstone! pic.twitter.com/W8LIKMjW5O
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 23 February 2017
