Update: It’s since been revealed that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will have a tweak to their normal liveries, but not a half-and-half design as first reported. A large vintage starting number for each driver will appear on the side pods of the car, inspired by the 1971 Spa 24h class winner, the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, also known as the “Red Pig”.
The images of the half-and-half design, which the Mercedes AMG account first posted are real, though, but it will appear on a replica of the W13, which will be on display in the Fan Zone.
It may not be the best name for a custom F1 livery, but it definitely looks awesome! The half-and-half paint job is being brought to Spa, to celebrate 55 years of AMG together.
The “Red Pig” name comes from the iconic Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which won the 1971 24 hours of Spa. Although it looked nothing like a race car on the inside, with its wood panel dashboard and soft carpets, this beast ended up winning its class and coming second overall!
The Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance meets our 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the "Red Pig". Two gamechangers of the present and the past, united in a special livery to celebrate 55 Years of AMG together. ❤️🙌#WeLivePerformance #WorldsFastestFamily #MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/gwWDkv8sPw
— Mercedes-AMG (@MercedesAMG) August 24, 2022
The last time Mercedes raced with a custom livery at the German Grand Prix in 2019, it didn’t exactly go well, with Valtteri Bottas crashing out and Lewis Hamilton having a comedic one-minute pitstop.
However, with Mercedes looking like race-winners going into the summer break, channelling a bit of old-school paint might be enough to push them up to the top step of the podium!
What do you think of the Mercedes new livery? Let us know in the comments
