Wolff explains why Mercedes has reverted to silver F1 livery

Mercedes’ Formula 1 team boss Toto Wolff has explained why the Brackley-based squad has returned to a silver livery for 2022.

For the last two seasons, Mercedes has run an all-black car as part of its pledge to become a more diverse team.

However, Mercedes confirmed with the launch of its W13 car on Friday that it was returning to silver, a colour that it ran during its brief F1 spell in the 1950s and again from 2010 to 2019.

Wolff says that with the foundations in place to become a more inclusive team, Mercedes will return to its silver ‘DNA’ while also retaining hints of black around the car.

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“The black livery was a clear intent and a clear demonstration of our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive team,” Wolff said. 

“It has become part of our DNA, but the silver colour of the Silver Arrows is as much our DNA, it’s our history. 

“As a team we have grown from the Silver Arrows to slowly becoming a more diverse and inclusive team and therefore our colours going forward will be silver and black,” said Toto Wolff. 

Last week, Mercedes announced the results of its first year operating the ‘Accelerate 25’ programme, which aims to deliver opportunities to underrepresented groups.

Wolff says that Mercedes’ diversity pledge isn’t about meeting a fixed percentage, but rather employing those who are best suited to the role without considering other factors.

“Increasing the diversity of our team isn’t about meeting a quota, it’s about recruiting the very best people regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation,” Wolff commented. 

“Our work inspiring people who might otherwise think a career in engineering, technology or motorsport isn’t for them will widen the talent pool we have available. A diverse workforce drives performance.”