First pit-lane images emerge of Mercedes’ retro livery at Spa

Jamie Woodhouse
The Mercedes W13 of George Russell sporting a tribute logo. Belgium, August 2022.

The Mercedes W13 of George Russell sporting a tribute logo to celebrate 55 years of AMG. Belgium, August 2022.

Mercedes are celebrating a special anniversary at the Belgian Gand Prix, marking that with an eye-catching livery for the W13.

As Formula 1 marks its return from the summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix, the Mercedes team are celebrating in more ways than one.

Not only is Formula 1 on the verge of returning to action, but Mercedes are also celebrating the 55th anniversary of their AMG division, founded back in 1967.

Prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes has been displaying a very unique tribute livery on the W13.

 

 

At first glance, it almost looks like a nod to Ferrari, but fear not, this is not the case.

Actually, this is something of a hybrid livery which combines present day for Mercedes with their iconic ‘Red Pig’, the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG which claimed a class victory at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours.

And it is this car which Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will take for a spin at Spa.

An AMG 55th anniversary tribute on the Mercedes motorhome. Belgium, August 2022.

“AMG is synonymous with racing and high-performance”, said Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal and CEO.

“For 55 years they have been at the forefront of pushing what is possible on four wheels, both on the racetrack and the road. I look forward to getting out on track in the Red Pig this afternoon, an icon in motorsport history.”

The ‘Red Pig’-inspired livery is on display in the Fan Zone at Spa, though is not going to partake in competitive action during the Belgian Grand Prix.

A vintage number on the Mercedes W13 of Lewis Hamilton. Belgium, August 2022.

Mercedes do though nonetheless have a different tribute livery lined-up for the W13 which will hit the track.

A special AMG logo with a 55th anniversary signet will be visible on the W13s driven by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, while the sidepods will feature a vintage starting number, bearing resemblance to the ‘Red Pig’.

The Mercedes Formula 1 Safety Car will also feature this anniversary signet.

In Mercedes’ tweet showing the sidepods, the team would make reference to the fact that this time around there will be “no dressing up this time”.

This relates to the 2019 German Grand Prix, where as part of Mercedes’ 125 years in motorsport celebrations, team personnel were kitted out in vintage clothing alongside the special livery which adorned the W10s.

The race was something of a disaster for Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas crashing out of the race while Hamilton also spun and found the barrier, ultimately finishing P9.

 

Mercedes

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