The modern resurgence of Mercedes in Formula 1 began in 2010 with the formation of their own works team, setting the stage for a spectacular ascent in the world of Grand Prix racing. The Mercedes Benz Petronas Team immediately captured global attention, fueled by the sensational comeback of Michael Schumacher. It wasn’t long before on-track success followed, with Nico Rosberg securing three podium finishes in their inaugural season. Rosberg then went on to achieve a landmark pole position and victory double at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, signaling the team’s growing prowess. The subsequent year saw the arrival of Lewis Hamilton alongside Rosberg, a partnership that ignited fierce internal competition and propelled the Silver Arrows to unprecedented dominance. Together, they forged an era of Mercedes Benz Petronas team supremacy, becoming a benchmark in modern F1 until the rise of Red Bull. However, with the dynamic George Russell now racing alongside the highly anticipated talent of Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes Benz Petronas team remains a formidable contender, constantly striving to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
2024: Hamilton’s Farewell and W15’s Challenges
Despite securing two victories each for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, the 2024 season saw the Mercedes Benz Petronas team grapple with the inconsistencies of the W15, leading to a drop to fourth place in the overall standings. The season commenced with a seismic announcement: Lewis Hamilton’s impending departure to Ferrari at the end of the year, marking the end of an era for the Mercedes Benz Petronas team.
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2023: Development Drive to Secure Second Place
The 2023 season proved to be a winless year for the Mercedes Benz Petronas team, a stark contrast to their prior successes and the first such season since 2011. The W14 challenger showed limited improvement over its predecessor. Yet, demonstrating their engineering resilience, the Mercedes Benz Petronas team engaged in relentless development throughout the year. This commitment to progress ultimately culminated in securing second place in the constructors’ championship, surpassing Ferrari in the final showdown of the season.
2022: Navigating Rule Changes and Russell’s Victory
Radical changes to Formula 1 regulations in 2022 significantly reshaped the competitive landscape. The Mercedes Benz Petronas team’s W13 car, a bold design, missed the mark in terms of outright pace, positioning them behind the dominant Red Bull and Ferrari teams. New team member George Russell delivered the Mercedes Benz Petronas team’s solitary victory of the season. Notably, Russell also outperformed Lewis Hamilton in the points standings, marking the first season in Hamilton’s F1 career without a race win.
2021: Verstappen Challenge and Eighth Constructors’ Title
The 2021 season presented the most formidable challenge to the Mercedes Benz Petronas team’s turbo-hybrid era dominance. Lewis Hamilton, despite achieving eight race victories, narrowly lost the drivers’ championship title to Max Verstappen of Red Bull in a season of intense rivalry. However, the Mercedes Benz Petronas team showcased their collective strength and secured their eighth consecutive constructors’ title, underscoring their consistent performance at the highest level of Formula 1.
2020: Record-Breaking Dominance and Double Championship
In a display of unparalleled excellence, the Mercedes Benz Petronas team, led by Lewis Hamilton, reached new heights in 2020. Hamilton secured an astounding 11 race wins, shattering numerous records and equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven drivers’ world championships. This achievement was made even more remarkable as Hamilton missed a race due to Covid-19. Adding to the team’s triumph, Valtteri Bottas contributed two more victories, cementing another dominant double championship victory for the Silver Arrows of the Mercedes Benz Petronas team.
