Mercedes AMG F1 launches new W10 Silver Arrow!

©Mercedes

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Mercedes has revealed its 2019 W10 charger, the car it hopes will help the Silver Arrows squad secure a sixth F1 Constructors' title.

Contrary to the speculation linked to the team's teasing photos, Mercedes isn't presented with a striking camo livery but rather with its familiar silver and green scheme, although nicely updated for 2019.

At first glance, with a design driven by this year's regulation changes, the 2019-spec W10 looks sleek and simple, at least on the outside.

"Regulation changes are both opportunity and threat," says Mercedes technical chief James Allison.

"They are an opportunity because all the old assumptions about what you need to have to be quick are swept away and, if you are fleet of foot and smart in dealing with that, you can do better than all the other teams that are tackling the same change.

'Embarrassing' rule changes targeted at Mercedes - Wolff

"They are a threat because if you are not as smart and you didn't see how to make the most of these new regulations, then you'll certainly suffer in the coming season.

"But they are always exhilarating because you have that sharp sense of anxiety that you might not be doing enough but equally the thrill and excitement of looking forward to finding out."

Mercedes is shaking down its W10 this morning at Silverstone - Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel according to the picture hereunder - but the team us using only a specific portion of the circuit as the other part has been reserved by Red Bull for the initial run of its RB15 that will be unveiled later today.

©Mercedes

"The 2019 season will be a new challenge for all of us," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

"The regulations have changed quite substantially. We have to start from scratch, we need to prove ourselves again - against our own expectations and against our competitors.

"We start the season with zero points, so we're taking nothing for granted and there's absolutely no feeling of entitlement to be at the front.

"In fact, with the regulation change for the new season, every team can have a shot at the title and we're seeing all of them as a potential threat."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.