For decades, Mercedes has competed in silver, earning worldwide recognition of the ‘Silver Arrows’ moniker throughout its racing history. However, in 2020 Mercedes decided to go for a black design before the start of the season, with the aim of launching a strong activist message against racism .
The team has worked in partnership with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to encourage inclusion through its Accelerate 25 programme, as well as launching a charity with the British driver known as Ignite to bring more up-and-comers to the industry. belonging to groups at risk of exclusion.
On the occasion of the team’s presentation, Mercedes launched this Friday its new W13 for the 2022 season, and as a novelty, Formula 1 returns to the championship with its emblematic silver base, while retaining some black elements in the design.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff explained the decision during the presentation.
“The black design was a clear demonstration of our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive team,” he said.
“Black has become part of our DNA, but the silver color of the Silver Arrows is as much our DNA as it is our history. As a team, we have grown as Silver Arrows to slowly become a more diverse and inclusive team and therefore So our colors in the future will be silver and black.”
(Click on the photo or the link to see all the images of the silver Mercedes W13)
“Increasing the diversity of our team includes recruiting the best people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”
“Our work can inspire those people who think a career in engineering, technology or motorsports is not for them, broadening the talent pool we have available.”
Mercedes revealed earlier this month that it was making “promising progress” with its Accelerate 25 programme, significantly exceeding its target of 25% of new entrants coming from groups at risk of exclusion in its first year, by reaching 38%. Thus, the number of female employees has increased from 12% to 14%, while that of ethnic minorities has increased from 3% to 6%.
The Mercedes W13 will take to the track this Silverstone for a shakedown before heading to Barcelona for pre-season testing next week.
