In a break with tradition Mercedes is to take the wraps off its 2025 contender behind closed doors.

With media access denied, images of the car and drivers, along with the relevant soundbites, will be issued digitally on Monday 24 February.

While the German team has usually unveiled its car at Silverstone, revealing it in the morning before taking to the track in the afternoon, the W16 will run its first laps at the Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain the following day, with the official pre-season test getting underway the day after (Wednesday).

Other than 2021 - in the midst of the pandemic - Mercedes has launched its car at Silverstone since 2017, the subsequent shakedown allowing the team to iron out any initial niggles.

Deprived of the shakedown in 2021 when the car did finally take to the track at pre-season testing it was beset with issues, meaning that Valtteri Bottas only completed 6 laps before handing over to teammate Lewis Hamilton.

It's believed that the car Mercedes will use at the official F1 season launch at the O2 in London will be the 2024 car but in the 2025 livery, a trick a number of teams will be employing.

Though not confirmed, it's believed that a number of teams have had to rethink their launch schedules due to the logistics of the London event.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Chester, 11 hours ago

"Ah guys, I do realize how short drivers are. I distinctly remember being in the upper floor of the Sao Paulo airport in 2015 where the airline business class lounges are. I was walking towards the United lounge and I see Alonso walking with someone. I was shocked at how short he was.

He saw me looking at him- and I froze. I have few regrets in life, but not saying anything to Alonso kills me when I think about it. "

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2. Posted by Max Noble, 16 hours ago

"Felipe Massa is a towering 1.66M - under 5ft 5 inches…! Of the current field only Yukon Tsunoda is shorter at 1.59M - being the shortest driver on the 2025 grid. Esteban Ocon is the tallest at 1.86M. Compared to Mark Webber at 1.84M - one of the other tallest drivers.
"

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3. Posted by KKK, 27/01/2025 20:29

"I think Antonelli will be a real surprise. But dont forget, size isnt everything !"

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4. Posted by kenji, 27/01/2025 14:17

"@ Chester Antonelli is a veritable giant alongside Tsunoda 1.72m versus 1.61M"

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5. Posted by Jet Jockey, 27/01/2025 13:39

"At Chester... George is a a tall driver, most F1 driver are pretty small in stature."

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6. Posted by Chester, 27/01/2025 13:07

"I did not realize how tiny Antonelli is. I don't mean to be mean, but he looks like a fifth grader alongside Toto and George.

I hope he does well, but it is shocking to me."

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