Lewis Hamilton’s candid criticism of Mercedes’ 2024 livery during the W15 car unveiling has stirred attention, particularly when it was showcased in the latest season of Drive to Survive. The British driver, who had been with Mercedes for many years, took a sharp jab at the car’s design, commenting that it looked like “two different cars put together.” His remarks came in February 2024 when the W15 livery was revealed, and it seemed that the new design was an attempt by the team to reconcile their previous color schemes.
Mercedes’ traditional silver livery, known as the “Silver Arrows,” was first introduced when the team returned to Formula 1 in 2010, and it remained unchanged until 2020. However, in that year, the team made a bold statement by switching to a black livery in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and as a stance against racism. The black car, which symbolized inclusivity, was embraced by fans and the team alike. Yet, in subsequent seasons, Mercedes struggled with its identity, trying to blend the black and silver themes in various iterations over the years.
For the 2024 season, Mercedes adopted a new split-livery approach, with the top half of the W15 car painted silver and the bottom half black. While this design was intended to honor both the team’s heritage and its recent stance on social issues, it failed to impress Hamilton. During the live unveiling event, the 7-time World Champion made no effort to hide his dissatisfaction, calling the design a disjointed combination that lacked cohesiveness.
Hamilton’s comments made their way into the public eye when they were included in Drive to Survive, the popular Netflix series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Formula 1. His sharp critique added to the tension surrounding his exit from Mercedes, which had already been confirmed earlier in the year. The driver’s comments seemed to underscore his growing distance from the team, as he prepared to leave after a long and successful partnership.
In the same season of Drive to Survive, fans also witnessed the ongoing discussions within Mercedes about their 2025 W16 car. This car, although still retaining a similar color scheme to the 2024 design—with a silver front nose and a predominantly black body—also drew attention for a different reason. The lack of the INEOS logo on the car’s airbox sparked rumors of a potential divestment by the British multinational chemicals company, which had been a key sponsor for Mercedes’ F1 team for several years.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff responded to Hamilton’s criticisms of the 2024 livery with a humorous suggestion: the team should create a special livery just for Hamilton. Wolff, along with teammate George Russell, teased that the livery could be used in 2025, giving Hamilton a chance to admire it from the cockpit of his new Ferrari. The remark was a light-hearted jab at Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, a shift that had already been publicly announced in February 2024. This early announcement of Hamilton’s departure was uncommon in the F1 world, where driver moves are usually revealed closer to the end of a season or in the off-season.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after a long and successful tenure with the team, which included seven world championships, has certainly been one of the most talked-about storylines in F1. His candid remarks about the 2024 livery, combined with his upcoming move to Ferrari, indicate a period of change for both him and the Mercedes team as they head into the 2025 season.
