Hamilton and Russell complete Mercedes full W14 shakedown

©Mercedes

Mercedes completed a full 100-km shakedown with its new W14 at Silverstone on Thursday, but it was a soggy run for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell onboard their new machine.

Russell had given the Brackley squad's 2023 car its post-launch track debut on Wednesday, but the brief outing – rumored to have been curtailed by a minor engine issue - was classified as a 'demonstration run', and the team was back in action yesterday for a full 'filming day' on Silverstone's short National Circuit loop.

Despite the persistently damp conditions, both drivers reported that it had been a trouble-free day.

"It has been great to get up and running with the W14," said Hamilton who enjoyed his first laps onboard his new mount.

"It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard; I'm incredibly grateful for all the effort that has gone in.

"The day has been smooth; we got through a good programme, and we've come away with some useful findings. I generally felt comfortable in the car and I'm excited to get going in Bahrain."

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"It was very cold and greasy out there today, but the car ran smoothly, and we completed all the laps we are permitted to do," added Russell.

"We know pre-season testing in Bahrain will be the first real test of the car. Nevertheless, it looks great out on circuit and the feeling from within the car is so far, so good."

Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said Mercedes has enjoyed a "solid start to the programme for W14".

"Conditions weren't great for filming or running but we completed the permitted 100km without any issues, and both drivers have been able to give us a good assessment of their first impressions of the car," he added.

"Bahrain will be very different to a cold, wet Silverstone but everything seems to be working well. Hopefully we can hit the ground running next week and maximise the three days of pre-season testing that we have."

F1 teams are now on their way to Bahrain where they will kick off three days of pre-season testing on next Thursday, on February 23.

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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.