Mercedes unveils the radical new W13 ahead of Bahrain final test

For the second and last pre-season test in Bahrain, Mercedes introduced a significant update package to the 2022 F1 car.

For this week’s pre-season test in Bahrain, Mercedes has unveiled a redesigned W13 with no sidepods.

Following the first test week in Barcelona, when the current Constructors’ World Champions slowly piled up mileage and dominated the timesheets on the last day, speculations of such a move from Mercedes gained traction.

All ten cars gathered on the grid for a photo session ahead of the on-track action resumed at the Bahrain International Circuit, giving fans a first peek at what Mercedes – and other squads – have changed.

Mercedes go sidepod-less with their W13 update

Mercedes’ revised car has substantially thinner sidepods, earning it the nickname “sidepod-less” in the paddock.

The side mirrors and some more fins are now affixed to ‘wings’ above where the bulk of the sidepods would generally rest, replacing the bigger, square intakes seen throughout the Barcelona test.

On Thursday morning, Lewis Hamilton will test the improved W13 before handing it over to new driver George Russell for the afternoon session.

Abu Dhabi, F1, F1 2022, Ferrari, Formula 1, Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes