Toto Wolff announces that Mercedes will keep the black on its car livery

Toto Wolff confirmed that Mercedes will keep black on the livery of its cars in the future, crediting Lewis Hamilton with having played a key role in introducing this color scheme in 2020.

Although the team is historically known as the Silver Arrows, it opted for a black livery as a symbol of the fight against racism and discrimination, while committing to improve diversity within the team. This decision was made in the context of global protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, a fight that Lewis Hamilton has actively supported.

A symbolic change

In a video recently released by Mercedes, the seven-time world champion discussed with the team boss the importance of the W11, **the car of the 2020 season**. The footage shows Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff reminiscing about **the driver’s iconic cars at Mercedes**, before **his move to Ferrari** next season.

Toto Wolff called the W11 an important car, explaining: “It’s the car that started in silver and switched to black.” Lewis Hamilton then talked about the moment he learned about this color change: “I couldn’t believe it… I was at my father’s place after discussing with you the idea of turning the car black. I couldn’t believe it when you called me to say that everyone had agreed. It was a very emotional call for me. I remember hanging up and thinking: ‘Oh my God, they’re changing the car to black. They agreed,'” he recalls.

Toto Wolff acknowledged that this change represented a major step for Mercedes, while Lewis Hamilton stated that the car looked more beautiful in black, resembling KITT from Knight Rider.

« That’s why we continue. That’s what you brought », said Toto Wolff. The W15, Mercedes’ car for the 2024 season, also sported black hues on a large part of its livery, with a touch of silver on the nose.

A memorable moment of a shortened season

Although the 2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis Hamilton had a dominant campaign, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record with a seventh world title. He won the championship emotionally in difficult conditions at the Turkish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton described the W11 as phenomenal. The rear and overall balance of this car were incredible… It was as if we had eliminated all the flaws of previous cars. It’s a shame the season was so short, he explained.

Recalling the race in Turkey, he added: « It was a tough race. We couldn’t get the tires to work. We tried everything, even heating them with the brake discs. At first, the others were leaving us behind, but we caught up with them later. »

The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes, which lasted 12 years, is the longest and most successful in F1 history. In the video, the Briton also explored some of his old helmets with Toto Wolff, who suggested he open a museum to display these memories.

He welcomed this idea with enthusiasm: « Yes, helmets and suits. I could make a little museum, with some cars too. I don’t know where yet, maybe an exhibition at the Tate or something like that. That would be cool. It would be great for children to see what’s possible, from a small radio-controlled car to that. »