Mercedes and Hamilton show their hand as they reveal 2017 cars
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It’s launch week in Formula One, and day after day teams have been revealing their challengers for the 2017 season. After Sauber, Renault and Force India showed us their efforts earlier this week, all-conquering Mercedes have yet again stolen the show.
Even the might of Storm Doris couldn’t stop the Silver Arrows, who revealed their W08 model at a windy Silverstone.
With new rules and regulations coming into play this season, it’s thought that Mercedes’ dominance may end, having won 51 of the last 59 races.
But on first look, Lewis Hamilton’s new charger looks pretty impressive.
FIRST LOOK: Lewis Hamilton takes the brand new Mercedes-AMG #F1 W08 #EQPower+ for its first laps around Silverstone! pic.twitter.com/W8LIKMjW5O
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 23, 2017
The W08 features some of the tightest rear-end packaging ever seen, in addition to plenty of intricate elements further forward.
The new Merc also features an S-duct on the nose, something lacking on the Sauber, Renault and Force India efforts.
Hamilton is seeking a fourth world title this season, and begins the campaign as favourite following reigning champion Nico Rosberg’s shock retirement last year.
The Brit has been very complimentary about Mercedes’ new entry, as he prepares to line up alongside Valterri Bottas for the German outfit in 2017.
Welcome to the family. #EQPower+ @mercedesamgf1 pic.twitter.com/9k15TIpOad
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 23, 2017
Elsewhere, Sauber have drawn plenty of praise for their sleek design…
Booom! Proudly presenting the Sauber C36-Ferrari – the anniversary car for a new era! #25YearsInF1 #C36 >> https://t.co/s7pAYD04Gy pic.twitter.com/4qF6KXm9tW
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) February 20, 2017
While Renault have gone for a mean-looking approach for the year ahead…
Ladies & gentlemen… Meet our 2017 challenger, the @RenaultSportF1 R.S.17! #RS17Launch pic.twitter.com/o3veTcFJeQ
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) February 21, 2017
But all the attention is now on Mercedes, and whether or not they can continue their supreme dominance this year.
Main challengers Ferrari and Red Bull will launch their new motors across the weekend, ahead of pre-season testing on Monday.
The new-look campaign begins in Australia on March 26, and we make Hamilton 5/4 favourite for the championship.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
