Mercedes-Benz In Formula One

Formula One activities of Mercedes-Benz

This particular discourse centers on Mercedes as an active Formula One constructor. For an exploration into Mercedes’ role as a mere engine supplier, one should direct their attention to Ilmor (active from 1991–1994) and the more recent iteration, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (from 1994 onwards). It’s a distinction that, for some, remains stubbornly elusive.

Mercedes Full name Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Base Stuttgart , Baden-Württemberg, Germany (1954–1955) Brackley , England (2010–present) [1] Team principal(s) Toto Wolff (Team Principal & CEO) Technical Director James Allison Website mercedesamgf1 .com Previous name Brawn GP

2025 Formula One World Championship Race drivers 12. Kimi Antonelli [2] 63. George Russell [3] Test driver(s) 77. Valtteri Bottas Frederik Vesti Chassis F1 W16 [4] Engine Mercedes Tyres Pirelli

2026 Formula One World Championship Race drivers 12. Kimi Antonelli [5] 63. George Russell [5] Test driver(s) TBA Chassis TBA Engine Mercedes [6] Tyres Pirelli

Formula One World Championship career First entry 1954 French Grand Prix Last entry 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Races entered 341 Engines Mercedes Constructors’ Championships 8 (2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 ) Drivers’ Championships 9 (1954 , 1955 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 ) Race victories 131 Podiums 310 Points 8159.5 (8298.64) [a] Pole positions 143 Fastest laps 115 2025 position 2nd (469 pts)

• Mercedes as a Formula One engine manufacturer Formula One World Championship career First entry 1954 French Grand Prix Last entry 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Races entered 613 (611 starts) Chassis Mercedes, Sauber , McLaren , Brawn , Force India , Williams , Lotus , Manor , Aston Martin Constructors’ Championships 12 (1998 , 2009 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2024 , 2025 ) [b] Drivers’ Championships 14 (1954 , 1955 , 1998 , 1999 , 2008 , 2009 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2025 ) [c] Race victories 238 [d] Podiums 660 Points 16410.5 (16549.64) [e] Pole positions 248 Fastest laps 239

Mercedes-Benz , a name synonymous with German luxury automotive engineering, has carved a rather extensive, and at times rather dramatic, path through the annals of Formula One . Their involvement spans multiple eras, both as a direct team owner and a crucial engine manufacturer, a role they’ve clearly mastered with a certain detached efficiency. Since its initial foray in 1954, the marque has consistently made its presence felt, often with overwhelming force.

The current incarnation, operating under the rather grand title of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited , and more commonly known as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team , calls Brackley , England, home [7], yet proudly maintains a German racing licence [8]. A corporate maneuver, perhaps, but one executed with precision. In December 2020, a significant shift in ownership was announced, with Ineos taking a substantial one-third stake, placing it on equal footing with the Mercedes-Benz Group and the ever-present Toto Wolff [9]. This strategic alignment officially solidified on January 25, 2022 [10]. Mercedes-branded racing teams have long been affectionately, or perhaps reverently, known by their evocative moniker, the “Silver Arrows ” (or, for those who prefer the original, Silberpfeile).

Long before the modern Formula One era, preceding the devastation of the Second World War , Mercedes-Benz was already a formidable force in the European Championship , securing three titles with a chilling regularity. The marque officially debuted in what we now recognize as Formula One in 1954 . Their arrival was anything but subtle; their very first race, the 1954 French Grand Prix , saw victory claimed. Their prodigious driver, Juan Manuel Fangio , went on to secure an additional three Grands Prix wins, ultimately clinching the 1954 Drivers’ Championship. He then repeated this rather impressive feat in 1955 . However, despite this undeniable success and two Drivers’ Championships firmly in hand, Mercedes-Benz made the rather abrupt decision to withdraw from all forms of motor racing after 1955, a direct and somber consequence of the horrific 1955 Le Mans disaster . A stark reminder that even in victory, tragedy can cast a long shadow.

Mercedes eventually found its way back to Formula One in 1994 , not as a full constructor initially, but as an engine manufacturer. This return was facilitated through a partnership with Ilmor , a British high-performance autosport engineering firm that meticulously developed their engines. This collaboration eventually led to a works partnership with McLaren , a union that, over its duration until 2009, yielded one constructors’ title and three drivers’ titles. In 2005, Ilmor underwent a rebranding, emerging as Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains . The ultimate step back into full constructor status came in 2010 when the company acquired the triumphant Brawn GP team, subsequently rebranding it simply as Mercedes. Following a monumental rule overhaul in 2014, which mandated the use of turbochargers and sophisticated hybrid electric engines , Mercedes ascended to become one of the most dominant forces in Formula One history. They secured an unparalleled seven consecutive Drivers’ titles from 2014 to 2020 , alongside a staggering eight consecutive Constructors’ titles, stretching from 2014 to 2021 —both records that speak volumes about their engineering prowess. Beyond their own team’s achievements, Mercedes, as an engine supplier, has accumulated over 200 wins, placing them second overall in Formula One history. In total, a remarkable twelve Constructors’ and fourteen Drivers’ Championships have been powered by Mercedes-Benz engines.

Constructor

Grand Prix racing before Formula One (1930s)

Before the modern circus of Formula One took shape, Mercedes-Benz was already a name whispered with a mix of awe and trepidation in the realm of Grand Prix motor racing during the 1930s. This was an era where the legendary Silver Arrows , both Mercedes-Benz and their formidable rivals Auto Union , held a near-absolute monopoly on victory. A rather uncomfortable truth of this period is that both teams benefited immensely from substantial financial backing from the Nazi regime , an investment that undeniably fueled their overwhelming success. After 1934, these state-sponsored titans claimed every single European Grand Prix Championship , with the unflappable Rudolf Caracciola personally securing three of those coveted titles for Mercedes-Benz [11]. History, it seems, is rarely simple.

Daimler-Benz AG (1954–1955)

The post-war landscape of motorsport saw Mercedes-Benz make a grand return in 1954, entering the newly established Formula One World Championship (which had commenced in 1950). This comeback was spearheaded by the formidable Alfred Neubauer , and they brought with them a machine that was nothing short of revolutionary: the Mercedes-Benz W196 [12]. This car, a marvel of engineering for its time, was versatile enough to be deployed in two distinct configurations: the familiar open-wheeled format and a sleek, streamlined variant. The latter featured enclosed wheels and a broader bodywork, offering unique aerodynamic advantages.

Juan Manuel Fangio , already a champion from 1951, made a mid-season switch from Maserati to Mercedes-Benz, timing his arrival perfectly for the team’s debut at the French Grand Prix on July 4, 1954. The impact was immediate and decisive. The team secured a dominant 1–2 victory with Fangio and Karl Kling , further cemented by Hans Herrmann claiming the fastest lap. Fangio, with a relentless pursuit of victory, went on to win three more races that year, effortlessly securing the Drivers’ Championship.

Their momentum carried seamlessly into the 1955 season, where Mercedes-Benz continued to refine and evolve the W196. The team’s dominance was, once again, absolute [12]. Fangio added another four victories to his tally, while his new teammate, the exceptionally talented Stirling Moss , secured a memorable win at his home British Grand Prix . The season concluded with Fangio and Moss occupying the top two positions in the championship standings, a testament to the sheer superiority of the Silver Arrows.

However, this period of triumph was tragically overshadowed by the catastrophic 1955 Le Mans disaster on June 11. The horrific accident, which claimed the life of Mercedes-Benz sportscar driver Pierre Levegh and over 80 spectators, sent shockwaves through the entire motorsport world. In its immediate aftermath, several major Grands Prix—the French, German, Spanish, and Swiss events—were summarily canceled [13]. By the close of the season, the team, still reeling from the tragedy, announced its complete withdrawal from all forms of motor sport, including Formula One [12].

During this initial, albeit brief, period of Formula One participation, Mercedes achieved a total of 9 race victories. Notably, three of these Grands Prix (the 1954 French Grand Prix , the 1954 Italian Grand Prix , and the 1955 Italian Grand Prix ) were won by their distinctive, streamlined “Type Monza” variant of the W196 [14]. This makes them the only three races in the entire history of Formula One to be won by a closed-wheel car, a peculiar footnote in a chapter defined by both brilliance and profound sorrow.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team (2010–present)

The path back to a full factory team for Mercedes-Benz was, as with many things in Formula One, rather convoluted. Prior to the commencement of the 2010 season, Daimler AG , Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, strategically acquired a minority stake (45.1%) in the then-reigning champion Brawn GP team. This move, executed on November 16, 2009, was complemented by Aabar Investments securing a 30% share [15] [16]. Following this significant acquisition, and a pivotal sponsorship agreement with the Malaysian oil and gas giant Petronas [17], the team underwent a comprehensive rebranding. It emerged as the “Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team,” marking Mercedes’ official return to competing in the constructors’ championship for the first time in over half a century [18]. Ross Brawn , the architect of Brawn GP’s miraculous success, remained at the helm as team principal, and the team steadfastly retained its operational base and highly skilled workforce within the expansive 60,000 square meter (650,000 sq ft) facility in Brackley [19]. This location was strategically chosen, being in close proximity to the Mercedes-Benz Formula One engine plant (formerly Ilmor Engineering) in Brixworth [16].

The lineage of this team is a narrative labyrinth, tracing its roots all the way back to Tyrrell Racing , a constructor that competed from 1970 until 1998. Tyrrell’s entry was ultimately acquired by British American Tobacco at the close of 1997 , paving the way for the debut of the new constructor, British American Racing (BAR), in 1999 [20] [21]. BAR, having forged a significant partnership with Honda , eventually transformed into the Honda Racing F1 Team in 2006 when British American Tobacco exited the sport. The team changed hands once more in 2008, following Honda’s withdrawal, and was subsequently purchased by its own management. They wisely named it Brawn GP, in tribute to their astute team principal, Ross Brawn [22]. Brawn GP, powered by engines supplied by Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines , defied all expectations. Despite operating on a shoestring budget, Jenson Button delivered a sensational performance, winning six of the initial seven races and ultimately securing the 2009 Drivers’ Championship. Brawn GP simultaneously claimed the Constructors’ Championship. This remarkable achievement marked the first instance in the sport’s then sixty-year history that a team managed to win both titles in its maiden season—a feat of extraordinary, almost improbable, success.

The newly formed Mercedes GP team recruited a formidable, if somewhat surprising, driver lineup for its 2010 campaign: the young German talent Nico Rosberg and the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher [23], who made a highly anticipated return to Formula One after a three-year absence. Nick Heidfeld was also brought in as the test and reserve driver, a role often overlooked but crucial. Of Brawn’s triumphant 2009 drivers, Jenson Button had already moved to McLaren , while Rubens Barrichello took over Rosberg’s former seat at the Williams team for 2010. With the acquisition of Brawn GP, Mercedes effectively ended its direct factory involvement with McLaren . The parent company, Daimler AG , divested its 40% shareholding in the McLaren Group [16], though it notably continued to supply engines to the Woking-based outfit [24]. The team’s performance throughout 2010, however, failed to replicate the explosive success of Brawn GP. They found themselves trailing the established front-runners: Ferrari , McLaren , and Red Bull . Their most notable results came courtesy of Rosberg, who secured three podium finishes—third places at Sepang , Shanghai , and Silverstone . Rosberg ultimately finished the season in a respectable seventh place. Schumacher, on the other hand, experienced a rather underwhelming return, consistently being outpaced by his teammate and concluding the season without a single race win, podium, pole position, or fastest lap for the first time since his debut in 1991 . He also became embroiled in a minor controversy at the Hungarian Grand Prix after a dangerously aggressive defensive maneuver nearly squeezed former Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello into the pit wall at a blistering 180 mph (290 km/h). In the end, the team concluded its inaugural season as a factory entrant in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, accumulating 214 points. A solid, if unremarkable, start.

Before the commencement of the 2011 season, in February 2011, Daimler and Aabar solidified their control by purchasing the remaining 24.9% stake that was still held by the team’s management [25]. Campaigning with their new challenger, the MGP W02, the Australian Grand Prix proved to be an inauspicious start, with both Schumacher and Rosberg retiring due to crash damage on laps 19 and 22, respectively. In Malaysia , Rosberg managed to qualify ninth, while Schumacher again failed to make it into Q3, starting eleventh. Schumacher did, however, score the team’s first points of the season with a ninth-place finish, whereas Rosberg had a rather anonymous race, finishing twelfth. The Chinese Grand Prix offered a glimpse of potential, with both Rosberg and Schumacher displaying strong form. Rosberg notably finished fifth and even led fourteen laps during the race, while Schumacher concluded the event in eighth place. Rosberg continued his consistent points-scoring with another fifth-place finish in Turkey . In Spain , Schumacher delivered a solid sixth-place finish, ahead of his teammate Rosberg.

Following a disappointing Monaco Grand Prix where neither driver scored points, Schumacher equaled his best result for the team in Canada , finishing fourth after having run as high as second position. In Valencia , Rosberg secured seventh place, while Schumacher languished in seventeenth after an incident involving Vitaly Petrov . Both Rosberg and Schumacher managed to score points in the subsequent two races in Great Britain and Germany . Gearbox issues prevented Schumacher from scoring at the Hungarian Grand Prix , but Rosberg salvaged a ninth-place finish. At the Belgian Grand Prix , Schumacher demonstrated a flash of his old brilliance, carving his way through the field from the very back of the grid (after losing a wheel in qualifying) to finish an impressive fifth. Rosberg, meanwhile, finished sixth, having led the race in its early stages. Despite these individual efforts, the team once again concluded the Constructors’ Championship in fourth place, mirroring their 2010 performance, with a total of 165 points and, notably, no wins, podiums, or pole positions to their name. Consistency, perhaps, but not the kind that wins championships.

For the 2012 season, the team decided to streamline its identity, dropping the “GP” from its name and integrating the “AMG” moniker, representing the high-performance division of Daimler AG. The official designation became the rather imposing “Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team .” The start of the season was not without its drama, as Mercedes found itself at the center of a protest regarding a “radical” rear wing concept employed on their Mercedes F1 W03 racing car [26]. This technical dispute lingered until the third race in China, where the stewards ultimately and unanimously dismissed the protest, allowing the innovative design to stand [27].

At that very same third race of the season in China , Nico Rosberg achieved a significant milestone, securing the team’s first pole position as a works team since Fangio’s era in 1955 . Schumacher, not far behind, qualified third but was elevated to second on the grid due to a penalty incurred by McLaren ’s Lewis Hamilton . The race itself proved to be a watershed moment, as Mercedes finally secured its first victory in 57 years with Nico Rosberg crossing the finish line in first place at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix . This triumph was particularly notable as it marked the first win for a German driver piloting a German car in Formula 1 history [28]. At the subsequent 2012 Monaco Grand Prix , Michael Schumacher demonstrated a flash of his legendary speed, setting the fastest time in qualifying. However, a five-place grid penalty, a carry-over from an avoidable collision with Bruno Senna at the previous Spanish Grand Prix , meant he started sixth. Rosberg’s victory in China also made him the first German driver to win a Grand Prix in a German vehicle since Hermann Lang ’s triumph at the 1939 Swiss Grand Prix .

A pivotal announcement came on September 28, 2012, confirming that the highly sought-after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton would join the Mercedes team from the 2013 season onwards, having inked a three-year deal to partner Nico Rosberg [29]. In January 2013, Toto Wolff stepped into the role of executive director for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, bringing his business partner Rene Berger along as a non-executive director. Beyond his executive duties, Wolff also acquired a 30% stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, with an additional 10% held by the legendary Niki Lauda, who served as chairman of the board. The remaining 60% was retained by the parent company. Wolff’s appointment saw him assume responsibility for coordinating all Mercedes-Benz motorsport activities, a significant portfolio previously managed by Norbert Haug .

The subsequent season, on May 26, 2013, saw Nico Rosberg convert a pole position into the team’s first victory of 2013 at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix . Paddy Lowe , a highly regarded figure in Formula One engineering, joined the team as executive director on June 3, 2013 [30] [31]. Mercedes then continued to build momentum, with Hamilton securing a third-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix . Rosberg then delivered another victory at the British Grand Prix , a race where the team had locked out the front row in qualifying with a dominant 1–2 performance. The team celebrated its third win of the season after Hamilton claimed his maiden victory for Mercedes at the Hungarian Grand Prix . These strong results culminated in Mercedes securing a commendable second place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing only the dominant Red Bull Racing. The pieces, it seemed, were finally falling into place.

Eight consecutive Constructors’ titles (2014–2021)

Both drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg , were retained for the 2014 season, a decision that would usher in an era of unprecedented dominance. Rosberg immediately set the tone by winning the season’s opening race in Australia . The very next race in Malaysia saw Hamilton achieve a grand slam—leading every single lap from pole position, and recording the fastest race lap—while Rosberg completed a flawless 1–2 finish for the team. This not only ended Hamilton’s unusually long nine-race streak without a podium finish but also marked the first 1–2 finish for Mercedes as a works team since the distant 1955 Italian Grand Prix . The team proceeded to replicate this dominant 1–2 result at the Bahrain , Chinese , and Spanish Grands Prix . Rosberg and Hamilton then finished 1–2, respectively, at the Monaco and Austrian Grands Prix . At the German Grand Prix , Rosberg etched his name into history, becoming the first German driver to win the German Grand Prix in a German vehicle since Rudolf Caracciola and Mercedes-Benz achieved the same feat at the 1939 German Grand Prix . The team’s relentless march towards supremacy culminated at the Russian Grand Prix , where they officially secured their first Constructors’ Championship as a works team. Hamilton then sealed his individual triumph by winning the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi , concluding the season a decisive 67 points ahead of Rosberg and clinching the World Drivers’ Championship [32]. Mercedes concluded the 2014 season with a staggering 296-point lead over their closest rival, Red Bull Racing , in the World Constructors’ Championship standings. With 18 pole positions, 16 wins, and 11 1–2 finishes out of 19 races, Mercedes had not merely won but utterly dominated this inaugural year of the V6 turbo era. For their 16 race victories, the average winning margin to the nearest non-Mercedes competitor was an astonishing 23.2 seconds [33]. It was a display of superiority that bordered on monotonous, a masterclass in engineering and execution.

For the 2015 season, the team wisely chose to retain both Hamilton and Rosberg, a pairing that, despite underlying tensions, continued to deliver unparalleled results [34]. At the 2015 Russian Grand Prix , the team secured their second consecutive Constructors’ Championship as a works team [35], further cementing their hold on the sport. Hamilton, with his customary flair, then clinched his second consecutive Drivers’ Championship at the 2015 United States Grand Prix , finishing a comfortable 59 points ahead of Rosberg. Mercedes, rather than resting on their laurels, actually improved their already formidable performance from 2014 in this second year of the V6 turbo era. They amassed an impressive 18 pole positions, 16 wins, and 12 1–2 finishes across 19 races. While their dominance remained absolute, the average winning margin to the nearest non-Mercedes competitor slightly decreased to 19.7 seconds, down from the 23.2 seconds seen in 2014 [36]. A minor concession, perhaps, but still a chasm.

The 2016 season saw Mercedes continue its relentless march, securing the Constructors’ Championship for the third consecutive season. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, with the team winning an astounding 19 of the 21 races held, while also achieving 20 pole positions—the highest percentage ever recorded in a single F1 season, at an almost absurd 95.2%—and eight 1–2 finishes [37]. The average winning gap to the nearest non-Mercedes driver narrowed further to 14.6 seconds, indicating that while others were closing, the gap remained significant. This season was particularly notable for Nico Rosberg , who, after years of battling his teammate, finally achieved his lifelong ambition, winning his only Drivers’ Championship by a slim 5-point margin over Hamilton. In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Rosberg then announced his immediate retirement from the sport, just five days after securing his title [38]. A mic drop, if ever there was one.

On January 10, 2017, Mercedes announced that Executive Director Paddy Lowe had departed the team, entering a period of garden leave [39]—a rather polite term for being paid not to work for a competitor. Just six days later, on January 16, 2017, Valtteri Bottas was officially unveiled as Rosberg’s replacement for the 2017 season [40]. Simultaneously, promising British GP3 driver George Russell was integrated into the junior team [41]. The team’s dominance continued unabated, and on October 22, 2017, Mercedes once again claimed the Constructors’ Championship, marking their fourth consecutive title [42]. A week later, Lewis Hamilton further cemented his legacy by becoming the first British driver to win four world championships [43]. Mercedes concluded the 2017 season with 12 wins out of 20 races, 15 pole positions, four 1–2 finishes, and an average winning margin to the nearest non-Mercedes driver of 13.1 seconds. The machine, it seemed, was still operating with ruthless efficiency.

For the 2018 season , the team maintained the stable pairing of Hamilton and Bottas. This consistency proved fruitful, as Mercedes clinched their fifth consecutive constructors’ title at the penultimate race of the season in Brazil , following another victory for Hamilton. The 2018 season saw Mercedes secure 11 victories (all credited to Hamilton) out of 21 races, record 10 fastest laps (three for Hamilton, seven for Bottas), claim 13 pole positions (eleven for Hamilton, two for Bottas), and achieve four 1–2 finishes. This extraordinary run made Mercedes only the second team in Formula One history to accomplish the feat of winning five consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles, a distinction previously held solely by Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 [44]. A truly remarkable period of sustained excellence.

The 2019 season began with the familiar sight of Hamilton and Bottas once again forming the driver lineup. In the opening race , both drivers locked out the front row of the grid, with Hamilton securing pole position. However, it was Bottas who seized the initiative at the start, overtaking Hamilton and claiming his first victory since the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix . Hamilton, ever the team player, managed to hold off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to ensure a crucial 1–2 finish for Mercedes. The team’s dominant performance continued unabated throughout the first half of the season. By the summer break, Mercedes had won an astonishing 10 out of 12 races, with Hamilton contributing 8 victories and Bottas 2. They notably achieved 1–2 finishes in the first five races of the season [45] [46]. Unsurprisingly, the team went on to secure both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year [47].

For the 2020 season, the team unveiled its “Dual-Axis-Steering” (DAS) system during pre-season testing—a rather clever, if somewhat controversial, innovation. This system allowed the driver to subtly adjust the toe angle of the front wheels by either pushing or pulling the steering wheel. The stated aim was to optimize the car for better tire warming on the straights (with zero toe) or to enhance mechanical grip in corners (with positive toe). While the system was deemed legal for the 2020 season, it was swiftly outlawed for 2021 [48], a testament to its perceived advantage. Predictably, the team once again swept both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships [49]. A minor disruption occurred before the penultimate round of the season, the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix , when Hamilton was forced to sit out the race after testing positive for coronavirus . His place was admirably filled by Williams driver and Mercedes junior George Russell .

The 2021 season saw Mercedes retain its familiar driver line-up for a fifth consecutive year. However, this season marked a significant turning point, as the team failed to secure the drivers’ championship for the first time in the V6 turbo-hybrid era. The championship battle culminated in a dramatic and highly controversial fashion at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix . Hamilton, having comfortably led the race and been on course for a record eighth title, was ultimately overtaken by his fierce rival Max Verstappen on the very last lap, following a contentious safety car restart. The late safety car had been triggered by Nicholas Latifi ’s crash on Turn 14. The actions of FIA race director Michael Masi regarding the procedures employed during this safety car period prompted Mercedes to file an intention to appeal the race results, though this was later withdrawn [50]. Hamilton finished a heartbreaking second in the championship, eight points adrift of champion Verstappen, while Bottas secured third place in the standings in what proved to be his final season with the team [51]. Despite the drivers’ championship heartbreak, the team still managed to secure the constructors’ title for a record-extending eighth consecutive season [52]. A bittersweet victory, if ever there was one.

Struggling with ground effect (2022–2024)

For the 2022 season, Mercedes junior driver George Russell stepped up to replace Bottas, partnering the formidable Hamilton [53]. This year brought about a seismic shift in regulations, notably reintroducing the concept of ground effect [54]. Mercedes, ever the innovator, unveiled a rather audacious design featuring what was immediately dubbed ‘zero-pods’ [55]. This radical approach, however, proved to be a gamble that did not pay off. The team struggled profoundly to comprehend and unleash the car’s full potential [56]. Furthermore, the W13 chassis was plagued by aggressive porpoising [57], a phenomenon where the car bounces violently at high speeds, making it notoriously difficult to drive. Fortunately, this severe porpoising issue was significantly mitigated and largely “solved” prior to the Canadian Grand Prix [58].

Despite their undeniable performance struggles, one area where Mercedes continued to excel was reliability, which was described as “amazing” [59]. This meant their season saw only three retirements: Russell’s involvement in a multi-car crash with Zhou Guanyu and Pierre Gasly at the British Grand Prix , Hamilton’s collision with Fernando Alonso at the Belgian Grand Prix , and Hamilton’s mechanical failure at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (though he was still classified 18th) [60]. Despite the lack of outright pace, the team managed to make regular appearances on the podium. At the French Grand Prix , Hamilton secured second place while Russell finished third [61], marking the team’s first double podium of the season [62]. Russell then achieved a significant personal milestone, claiming his first ever pole position —and Mercedes’ first of the season—at the Hungarian Grand Prix [63] [64]. The season’s true highlight came at the São Paulo Grand Prix , where Russell secured his maiden Formula One victory, with Hamilton following him home in second, delivering Mercedes’ only win of the season and a memorable 1-2 finish [65].

Mercedes concluded the 2022 season in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, with that solitary win in São Paulo standing as their best result. Russell performed admirably, finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, a testament to his consistency and that crucial win and pole. Hamilton, however, finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, marking a rather jarring first in his illustrious career—the first time he had finished outside the top 5. The 2022 season also holds the distinction of being the first in which Hamilton failed to secure a single pole position or Grand Prix win. A stark reminder that even legends are susceptible to the vagaries of regulation changes and car performance.

After a continued struggle with their distinctive, yet ultimately unyielding, “zero-pods” design throughout the 2023 season, Mercedes made a strategic leadership change. They opted to replace Technical Director Mike Elliott with the highly experienced James Allison , with Elliott transitioning to the role of Chief Technical Officer. This significant internal reshuffle took effect on April 21, 2023.

Despite the challenges, Mercedes managed to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2023, narrowly finishing 3 points ahead of Ferrari. However, the season as a whole was undeniably disappointing, as it marked the first time since 2011 that the team failed to secure a single race victory. Their closest brush with victory came at the United States Grand Prix , where Hamilton finished a mere 0.3 seconds behind the dominant World Champion Max Verstappen, only to be subsequently disqualified due to his rear skid blocks being worn below the legal limit. Hamilton concluded the 2023 season in third place in the Drivers’ Championship, accumulating 6 podium finishes. A particular highlight of his year was breaking the record for the most pole positions at a single circuit, achieving his 9th pole at the Hungaroring during the Hungarian Grand Prix . Russell, unfortunately, endured a rather miserable season, finishing a distant eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with only 2 podiums to his name.

Acknowledging their struggles, the team openly admitted that the W15 chassis for the 2024 season would feature a completely different conceptual approach. Their stated ambition, a rather optimistic one, was to close the gap to the pace-setting Red Bull and once again contend for the championship or, at the very least, fight for race victories.

Post–Lewis Hamilton era (2025–present)

On February 1, 2024, Mercedes confirmed a seismic shift in their driver lineup: Lewis Hamilton would depart the team after an incredible 12-year tenure. The seven-time champion had activated an exit clause in his contract, signing a multi-year deal to drive for Ferrari from 2025 onwards [66]. The search for his replacement was intense, but on August 31, 2024, Mercedes announced that its highly touted junior driver, Kimi Antonelli , would step into the vacant seat [67]. Further strengthening their driver pool, on December 19, 2024, Valtteri Bottas was announced to be rejoining the team, albeit in the role of reserve driver for 2025 [68]. The era of Hamilton at Mercedes may be over, but the relentless pursuit of championship glory, it seems, endures.

Hybrid era statistics

If you insist on the numbers, here they are, laid bare. A stark illustration of dominance, followed by a somewhat less glamorous reality.

Engine supplier

Main articles: Ilmor and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains

Before they decided to run their own show with a full factory team, Mercedes-Benz had already established a formidable presence in Formula One as a premier engine supplier. Their return to this role occurred in 1994 , forged through a crucial partnership with Ilmor , a British independent high-performance autosport engineering company. This company, with its manufacturing heart located in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, was responsible for the meticulous development of their engines. Following its acquisition by Mercedes, Ilmor was rebranded, now operating as Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains .

Initially, Mercedes supplied engines to Sauber for a single season, a brief but significant re-entry. However, the truly defining partnership began in 1995 when they switched their allegiance to McLaren , initiating a highly successful, two-decade-long collaboration [69]. In 2009 , Mercedes expanded its supply program, providing engines to Brawn GP (which, as we know, they later acquired to form their own factory team) and Force India , a team that subsequently evolved into Racing Point and eventually, Aston Martin F1 . By 2014, a fourth team, Williams , was added to their formidable client list. The enduring 20-year partnership with McLaren, a relationship that had yielded significant success, concluded prior to the 2015 season, only to be rekindled and resume in 2021 [69]. Mercedes also briefly supplied engines to the Lotus F1 Team for one season in 2015 , and to Manor for a single season in 2016 .

Looking ahead to the 2025 season , Mercedes continues to be a pivotal force in engine supply. Beyond powering their own factory team, they are slated to provide engines to Aston Martin , McLaren , and Williams [70]. A testament to their enduring engineering prowess and strategic influence within the sport.

Junior team

Main article: Mercedes Junior Team

The concept of a “junior team” is, of course, a rather optimistic endeavor. It’s a constant cycle of hope and brutal reality, where raw talent is meticulously groomed in the hopes of producing the next world champion. As of 2025, a grand total of nineteen drivers have been affiliated with the Mercedes junior team, with twelve of them still clinging to their membership.

Current drivers

Former drivers

Of the seven drivers who have departed the Mercedes junior team, a remarkable four have managed to ascend to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One. As of 2025, George Russell and the freshly promoted Kimi Antonelli are the only alumni currently driving for the Mercedes factory team, with Russell having been there since 2022 and Antonelli commencing his journey in 2025. Esteban Ocon stands as the sole other former junior driver still actively participating in the 2025 season elsewhere on the grid.

Sponsorships

Even the most formidable racing teams require financial backing, and Mercedes is no exception. However, the world of sponsorship, much like Formula One itself, is not always straightforward.

In December 2009, the team, then still Brawn GP, encountered an early and rather embarrassing setback. A planned £80 million sponsorship agreement that had been signed with Henkel in July was discovered to be entirely invalid [86]. Henkel, a global consumer goods company, vehemently denied any knowledge of the deal and asserted that it had no interest whatsoever in Formula One. It was subsequently alleged that the deal was orchestrated by a former Henkel employee, utilizing stolen company stationery, with the explicit intent of defrauding the company. On December 22, Henkel announced that the dispute with the team had been amicably resolved through a mutual agreement, and crucially, legal action would not be pursued. The team, however, committed to cooperating with the German prosecutor’s office to fully clarify the matter [87]. A tale of corporate intrigue and alleged fraud, reminding us that even in high-stakes racing, the petty human element persists.

On December 21, the team confirmed a significantly more legitimate and enduring partnership: the number one Malaysian oil and gas company, Petronas , would join as the title sponsor. Petronas, strategically headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, is intrinsically linked to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) [88]. From 2010 onwards, the team officially competed under the full, rather lengthy, title of “Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team” [89]. According to various reports, this crucial arrangement was valued at an impressive €30 million annually [90]. A testament to the strength of this alliance, Mercedes and Petronas announced a multi-year renewal of their title and technical partnership on September 28, 2022, ensuring their collaboration would extend from the 2026 season onwards [91]. A reliable constant, a financial anchor in the turbulent seas of F1.

On January 25, 2010, the team’s livery was publicly unveiled at the venerable Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart [92], with both Schumacher and Rosberg in attendance [93]. The cars, as expected, proudly sported the traditional silver colors of Mercedes-Benz and retained the existing Brawn GP sponsor, MIGfx. In 2013, the team secured a multi-year deal with the mobile technology company BlackBerry , a partnership that concluded after the 2015 season. Over the years, the team has also attracted a diverse portfolio of other major partners, including Monster Energy , Puma , and Swissquote (until 2014). In 2015, prominent brands such as Qualcomm , UBS , Epson , Bose , and Hugo Boss were added to the sponsorship roster. When Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017, his personal sponsor Wihuri also came onboard. Prior to the 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix , Mercedes further expanded its partner network by welcoming the software company Tibco . In 2018, Tommy Hilfiger took over from Hugo Boss as the team’s official clothing supplier, a move that also saw Hamilton become a brand ambassador for the fashion house, participating in their #WhatsYourDrive promotion.

For 2019, the team forged global partnerships with CrowdStrike and Marriott Bonvoy [94]. The 2020 Formula One World Championship saw the addition of two more significant partners: Ineos and AMD [95] [96]. In 2021, the German technology company TeamViewer signed a sponsorship deal, becoming the first partner to support both Mercedes’ Formula One and Formula E teams [97].

In 2025, a fresh chapter in clothing sponsorship began as Adidas took over from Tommy Hilfiger as the team’s official apparel supplier.

FTX sponsorship and lawsuit filing

The Mercedes F1 team had, for a period, partnered with FTX , a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange company [97]. However, as FTX’s financial difficulties began to mount, Mercedes swiftly suspended its sponsorship deal and removed the company’s logos from their cars prior to the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix [98]. The cryptocurrency firm subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, formally terminating the sponsorship agreement. The activities of FTX were later revealed to be a multi-billion dollar fraud, a rather predictable outcome when associating with ephemeral digital promises. Consequently, a lawsuit against the Mercedes F1 team for its role in promoting FTX was filed in a federal court in Miami in November 2023 [99]. Some lessons, it seems, are learned the hard way, and publicly.

Kingspan Group sponsorship controversy

On December 1, 2021, the team initially announced a sponsorship deal with the Kingspan Group . This announcement, however, immediately ignited a firestorm of controversy. Kingspan was, and remains, under intense scrutiny in the ongoing Grenfell Tower inquiry , which is investigating the devastating 2017 Grenfell Tower fire that tragically claimed 72 lives. The Mercedes-Kingspan Group deal drew widespread criticism, most notably from Grenfell United (an organization comprising survivors and families of the Grenfell Tower fire victims) and the then-UK government minister Michael Gove . Mercedes, facing public outcry, promptly agreed to review its decision, with team boss Toto Wolff even extending an offer to meet and engage with the Grenfell fire survivors [100]. A brief, ill-advised dalliance with public opinion, swiftly corrected when the optics proved too inconvenient. On December 8, 2021, it was officially announced that the controversial deal between Kingspan and the Mercedes F1 Team had been terminated with immediate effect [101].

Racing record

Main article: Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix results

• Constructors’ Championships winning percentage: 50%
• Drivers’ Championships winning percentage: 50%
• Winning percentage: 38.4%

( Bold indicates championships won.)

Source: [102]

Drivers’ Champions

Main article: List of Formula One World Drivers’ Champions

The following drivers have had the distinct privilege of winning the Formula One Drivers’ Championship while competing for Mercedes. A rather exclusive club, one might say [103].

• Juan Manuel Fangio (1954 , 1955 )
• Lewis Hamilton (2014 , 2015 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 )
• Nico Rosberg (2016 )

Esports

Even the digital realm is not immune to Mercedes’ influence. For those who prefer their racing simulated, here are the numbers.

Source: [104]

Esports Drivers’ Champions

Main article: Formula One Esports Series

The following drivers have managed to conquer the digital circuits, securing the Formula One Esports Drivers’ Championship for Mercedes:

• Brendon Leigh (2018 ).
• Jarno Opmeer (2021 ).

Complete F1 Esports Series results

(key (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

See also

• Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains , the entity responsible for manufacturing Mercedes-Benz’s Formula One engines.
• Mercedes-Benz in motorsport , a broader overview of Daimler AG’s participation in various forms of motorsport.

Footnotes

• ^ The additional 139.14 points represent Mercedes drivers’ points accumulated between 1954 and 1955, prior to the official establishment of the World Constructors’ Championship in 1958.
• ^ The 1998 Constructors’ Championship was achieved with engines that were constructed by Ilmor .
• ^ The Drivers’ Championships of 1998 and 1999 were secured with engines that were constructed by Ilmor .
• ^ A total of 44 of these victories were achieved with engines that were constructed by Ilmor .
• ^ The additional 139.14 points represent points accumulated by Mercedes-powered drivers between 1954 and 1955, before the World Constructors’ Championship was officially established in 1958.
• ^ a b During this period, individual driver numbers were not consistently allocated, and numbers varied from event to event.
• ^ a b The Constructors’ Championship was not formally awarded until the 1958 season.