First shots of Mercedes new W08!

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Just under an hour before Mercedes officially pulls back the cover on its new 2017 W08 - well, that's already happened now - a few shots of the car have found their way out of Silverstone!

Lewis Hamilton conducted a brief shakedown of the new Silver Arrows despite unfavorable weather.

The pictures reveal a strikingly narrow front end as well as the absence of the trendy extended aerodynamic 'shark fin' which Mercedes 2017 predecessors have chosen to use, although there's a hint of one sloping down the rear bodywork.

You can check out our gallery of the new 2017 Mercedes W08 F1 car.

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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.