Mercedes stir the pot with daring paint video ahead of Dutch Grand Prix
Mercedes posted a video on social media that hinted at a potential colour scheme change for the Dutch Grand Prix – but it proved to be merely just a tease.
The Silver Arrows hinted at a colour change on Wednesday by posting a photo of orange paint being mixed at the team’s factory with the simple caption: “Imagine…”
Having been at loggerheads with Red Bull and Max Verstappen over both World titles two seasons ago, it would have been one way of making sure their villain status among home fans at Zandvoort would be secured.
Mercedes hinted at orange colours for Zandvoort
Fans of Verstappen that follow the Dutchman around the European rounds in particular are often dubbed the ‘Orange Army’, in reference to the colour in which they drape themselves in honour of the reigning World Champion, and in reference to the national colours of the Netherlands.
The picture posted by Mercedes was followed by a video of the orange paint, Verstappen’s signature colour, being mixed at their Brackley base.
It would have been quite a sight if Red Bull’s rivals turned up to Verstappen’s home track in a colour he has made his own in recent years, but as Lando Norris often references when his fans are out in full force, they’re simply plenty of McLaren fans, no?
Imagine… 🎨😉 pic.twitter.com/XpfmW18tAf
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 23, 2023
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But, in the build-up to media day at the Zandvoort track, Mercedes unfortunately confirmed there would be no orange to be seen on their W14 car. Boooooo.
We could never… 🎨😆 https://t.co/AlPriYCG8e pic.twitter.com/6S9NYteP5C
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 24, 2023
Verstappen heads into the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend as hot favourite to make it a record-equalling nine race victories in a row, matching the tally reached by Sebastian Vettel in his all-conquering 2013 campaign.
He leads the World Championship by a whopping 125 points with 10 rounds remaining, making it a distinct possibility he can have the title wrapped up with multiple races to go this season.
Read next: Will the party continue for Max Verstappen’s ‘Orange Army’ at the Dutch Grand Prix?