
© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix Mercedes feared the new black livery might cause overheating problems, but now they are sure this is not the case.
Mercedes switched to an all-black livery in 2020 as a pledge to increase diversity within the team and to support the fight against racial injustice. However the new color scheme raised questions about possible overheating, considering black absorbs more heat than lighter shades.
In Mercedes’ Austrian Grand Prix debrief video, motorsport strategy director James Vowles dismisses such claims.
“The reality is that it doesn’t,” Vowles confirmed.
“Inside the engine cover there is a silver, heat-resistant lining and that is in place irrespective of the outside colour.
“We can’t see any difference on our radiator temperatures or other temperatures of the core systems within the car as a result of the paint colour externally.
“There’s a little bit of reflection that should exist with a lighter colour, but the reality is that it has a negligible or no effect on our system temperatures.”
Toto Wolff recently confirmed Lewis Hamilton was the one who sparked the change to a black livery, and Hamilton himself is very happy with his team’s commitment to fight for what they believe in.
“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity,” said Hamilton.
“I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.
“When I spoke to Toto about my hopes for what we could achieve as a team, I said it was so important that we stand united.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Toto and the Mercedes Board for taking the time to listen, to talk, and to really understand my experiences and passion, and for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business.
“We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport, and if we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message and give others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change.”