F1 News: Mercedes set tongues wagging with new button on W15

F1, 2024, Mercedes, livery, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Testing 2024

Mercedes set tongues wagging with new button on W15

The team have a new device to show off

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Thursday 22 February 2024 18:57

Mercedes have unveiled a new button on the steering wheel of their 2024 car, the W15.

The Lewis Hamilton-led team are now two days into testing in Bahrain, having completed more than 240 laps between their lead drivers without any major incident.

With the rapidly approaching at the same circuit, testing is going to prove crucial to see whether or not Mercedes have taken a step in the right direction in comparison to the dominant Red Bull team.

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Now, their social media team have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to show off a new feature on their cars - a WhatsApp button.

Mercedes have recently unveiled their 2024 challenger

Mercedes are hoping to get back to winning ways in 2024

Lewis Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in 2025

Hamilton's WhatsApp notifications

While we can only speculate on why Lewis Hamilton decided to jump ship and head to Ferrari for the start of next season, being told he has to receive WhatsApp notifications from his boss while driving around at 220mph couldn't have been good for moral.

Radio button 🤝 @WhatsApp button pic.twitter.com/rb1S6eWDq9
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 19, 2024

Hamilton did not take part in pre-season testing until Thursday, with George Russell putting the W15 through its paces on the first day at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Mercedes fans didn't seem too happy with the apparent partnership between the two brands, taking to X to voice their discontent.