Mercedes to follow Red Bull in skipping F1 launch tradition

Mercedes is not planning on an official launch presentation for its 2025 F1 car, RacingNews365 understands. 

In previous seasons, the team has run its new machine at Silverstone in a shakedown as well as holding an official launch event, but it is understood for the W16 of 2025, the team will not hold either of these events.

RacingNews365 understands that Mercedes will conduct a filming day in Bahrain just prior to the start of pre-season testing in Bahrain, which commences on February 26th and lasts for three days.

This filming day shakedown will be the first time the new car is seen in public, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli set to drive the car this season.

Both drivers will present at the F1 75 season launch at the O2 in London on February 18th, but this event is not expected to feature any cars for the 2025 season owing to the logisitcal concerns of teams wanting as much time as possible to develop their new cars ahead of testing.

Of the three launch dates confirmed thus far, as of 17th January, the livery of Red Bull’s RB21 will be unveiled at the London event, with Ferrari releasing its new car on February 19th – the day after. 

Williams has also committed to a traditional launch, with its new car, to be driven by Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, to be launched on February 14th.