Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff names 'exciting' part of Lewis Hamilton exit

Toto Wolff declared life after Lewis Hamilton "an exciting new era" as Mercedes prepare to test their latest Formula 1 challenger.

The W16 will hit the track in Bahrain today for a shakedown ahead of three days of pre-season testing in the Gulf state. "We open an exciting new era in the story of our team," said team principal Wolff.

"We are building on the incredible legacy of our heritage and we can't wait to go racing. Everyone at the team, in Brackley and Brixworth, has been hard at work over the winter. Last season was incredibly competitive on the track and, whilst we took several wins, we are all focused on challenging for victories more consistently.

"We have made gains in the off-season, but we will only know where we stand come the first race in Australia. We have an exciting line-up to help us achieve our objectives. Both drivers have progressed through our junior programme and that is a vindication of our commitment to both supporting and developing talent."

Mercedes need their new machine to be more consistent than their other recent efforts and technical director James Allison said that has been their "primary focus" over the winter. "We are pleased with our progress over the winter and we're looking forward to finding out where we stack up against everyone else," he added.

This week will be a test not only of their new car but also of teenager Kimi Antonelli, tasked with filling the considerable void left by seven-time champion Hamilton. The 18-year-old will race alongside George Russell, who has become the undisputed team leader for the 2025 season.

"George has proven that he is one of the very best drivers on the grid, capable of competing for the drivers' championship if we can give him a car capable of doing so," said Wolff. "As the senior driver, he will help lead the team forward and support Kimi in his development.

"Kimi has all the necessary talent to achieve great things at the pinnacle of the sport, but this is a rookie season and there will inevitably be ups and downs. We're looking forward to that journey together though and helping him develop over the course of the year."

Russell said: "Last year was my strongest in F1. This coming season will be my seventh in the sport, and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I'm working hard to improve year-on-year. It's also exciting having a new team-mate in Kimi this year. He's incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership."

And Antonelli added: "I am very thankful to everyone at Mercedes for the faith and trust they've placed in me. I've been working hard over the winter to be as ready as I can possibly be. My focus is on continuing to learn, being consistent, and doing the best job I can for the team."