Mercedes F1 W09 launch Silverstone…

Mercedes got their 2018 season underway at Silverstone last week unveiling their W09 car and introducing the team…

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport team launched its 2018 defender, the F1 W09 EQ Power+, at Silverstone Circuit on 22nd February. The W09 retains its predecessor’s long wheelbase and features a higher rake than the W08 albeit not as perceptible as that on its rivals using a more extreme rake. The most notable change on the W09 and, arguably the main talking point of 2018’s F1 car designs, is the “halo” device to protect drivers’ heads from large flying debris. In addition to a neater back end to improve air flow to the back of the W09, the car features a new power unit for 2018 – changes to the 2018 season now allocate fewer power unit elements per driver (without penalty) over the course of the season compared to the 2017’s power unit allocation rules – in order to give 40% greater longevity while maintaining the performance of the previous power unit.

The 2018 Formula One season begins in Melbourne on 25th March 2018.