Mercedes has officially started a new chapter after Lewis Hamilton’s departure, as the W16 hit the track for the first time in Bahrain on Tuesday.

The team revealed the 2025 car online on Monday before taking it out for a filming day, during which new driver pairing George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli got their first chance to drive it.

Mercedes says it has made big improvements to the W16 compared to last year’s unpredictable car, hoping to fight for the championship again. Russell and Antonelli each got a turn behind the wheel during the shakedown, which was limited to 200 kilometers.

“Flown by, it’s absolutely flown by,” Russell said. “It feels like yesterday we were here last year for testing. Just can’t wait to get out there. So much hard work has gone in over the winter. I’ve driven the car so many times in the sim and today’s only the filming day, but tomorrow and in the next three days we’re gonna find out how that car’s performing.”

Antonelli, preparing for his first F1 season, is also excited to get started. “We’re finally back,” he said. “We’re back, finally – officially testing. Well, today’s filming day, but finally getting the first few laps with the new car. Really excited – I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. I’m really happy – couldn’t be happier, to be honest.”