The Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E PERFORMANCE has been unveiled at Silverstone, the home of British motorsport

Helping launch the car were members of the latest cohort of Team apprentices, and PETRONAS interns.

The commitment to building a more diverse workforce remains a significant priority for the company and through the apprenticeship, intern schemes and Accelerate 25, have aided significant progress in this area.

But there is still more work to be done.

The Accelerate 25 programme formalises the teams ambition of at least 25 percent of all new team members coming from under-represented groups.

Since launching two years ago, the percentage of female employees has risen from 12 percent to 16 percent with team members from a minority ethnic background growing to 9 percent from 3 percent, as of January 2023.

The Team has taken inspiration from the legendary creation of the original Silver Arrows.

However, instead of stripping back paint to shiny aluminium beneath, it will be sleek black carbon fibre on the W14.

“We were overweight last year. This year we have tried to figure out where we can squeeze out every single gram. So now, history repeats itself.

“You will see that the car has some raw carbon bits, along with some that are painted matte black.

“Of course, when we changed the livery in 2020 the main driving factor was to support the diversity and equality causes which are always close to our heart.

“The colour black became part of our DNA at that point, so we are pleased to return to it,” Toto commented.

It has gone down well both the drivers with George Russell adding: “Aesthetically it looks great. It’s bold, aggressive and stands out.”

While seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton added: “To see the evolution of the car and the changes that have been made is fascinating.

“We’ve redesigned, optimised, and innovated so many parts of the car and that is impressive. And I love the new livery. It says, ‘we mean business’.”

Last season Mercedes were fighting with McLaren and Alpine for third in the constructors championship before upgrades throughout the season gave them a late 1-2 in São Paulo at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

This season the team and drivers are looking to be back at the front challenging for race wins and regaining the Constructors Championship.

“I have been a part of this team for over a decade and the efforts of everyone never cease to amaze me,” Lewis commented.

“I find it inspiring how diligently and passionately each person approaches their work.”

While George added: “I have been incredibly impressed with how the Team developed the car throughout last season.

“We have been building momentum throughout 2022 and we’re excited to see how that has progressed over the winter.”

“Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a World Championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up,” said Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Toto Wolff.

“Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the Team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond. This year, we are going all in to get back in front.”

The team will head to Bahrain for pre-season testing and the first Grand Prix on March 5.