Mercedes have revealed that they will introduce their 2022 challenger to the world on 18 February.
The Brackley-based team won the 2021 Constructors’ Championship, beating Red Bull to the crown in the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Silver Arrows have now claimed all of the last eighth Constructors’ Championships, which is a record in F1.
Between them, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas claimed 10 race wins last campaign as the Briton narrowly missed out to Max Verstappen on the title in controversial circumstances at the Yas Marina Circuit.
READ: Russell stresses he and Hamilton in very ‘different stages’ of their careers
While we know when the W13 will be unveiled, what we are not yet privy to is whether we will be seeing Hamilton on the grid for the 2022 season.
Team principal Toto Wolff has previously indicated that Hamilton has become “disillusioned” with the sport following race director Michael Masi’s unprecedented decision to permit a limited of lapped number of runners past the Safety Car under time constraints at the end of the final race.
Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh tyres, was then able to pass his rival to win his maiden championship, leaving Mercedes livid.
Several pundits and drivers have affirmed their belief that the 37-year-old will return, and should he be on the grid, he will be partnered by George Russell.
READ: ‘What more incentive do you want?’ Hamilton urged not to retire
The cars will look extremely different this year and, owing to the performance ambiguity of the new regulations, Russell has affirmed that he must work closely with his compatriot to help Mercedes develop their package.
“Lewis is the guy he is for a reason – he’s the greatest of all time,” he told the F1 Nation podcast.
“I think we go in there [and] we need to help each other because, [in 2022], the cars are just going to be developing so much, race after race.”
Ferrari will reveal their 2021 car the day before the Silver Arrows, while Aston Martin’s release date is penned in for 10 February – one day before McLaren.
The 2022 season will get underway on 20 March, with Bahrain playing host to the season-opener.
Follow us on Google News to never miss an F1 story