Mercedes has grabbed the headlines with their return to a black livery for the 2023 season. Lewis Hamilton, the team’s star driver, has now revealed the surprising reason behind the choice of color during an interview with Sky F1.
Speaking about the importance of pre-season testing, Hamilton emphasized the need to make every second on the track count, especially with less time available than ever before. He also expressed the hope that there would be no issues with the 2023 car, but acknowledged that such problems were inevitable and that the testing period was crucial.
However, it was the reason behind the black livery that caught the attention of many. Hamilton explained that the team had been weighed down by extra baggage and weight last year, which had held them back. In 2023, the focus would be on performance, even if it meant sacrificing the aesthetics of the car.
“I love the black. Last year we were heavy, we were carrying extra weight and baggage which really held us back,” Hamilton said. “The focus this year is to sacrifice the look for performance. It still looks great.”
Mercedes had previously used a black livery for the 2020 season as part of the team’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The decision was widely praised, and it seems the team has decided to stick with the color for the upcoming season.
While there weren’t many surprises in the liveries for the 2023 season, Mercedes’ decision to go black again has certainly generated plenty of attention. With Hamilton aiming for another championship title, it remains to be seen if the team’s sacrifice in aesthetics will pay off in terms of performance on the track.
