5 surprises, tech trends and brave calls from the 2023 F1 launch season

F1 launch season has come and gone in a flash, with all 10 teams showing off their new challengers – or at least liveries – for the campaign ahead. After a variety of reveals, we look back at some of the standout moments from the last fortnight.

Mercedes go back to black

Mercedes caught the F1 world by surprise when they pulled the covers off their W14, which heralded the return of a black livery – as used in 2020 and 2021 – after the team spent 2022 in their more traditional silver colour scheme.

Toto Wolff was quick to explain his squad’s move, pointing out that large portions of the black are actually exposed carbon fibre, with Mercedes – like many teams up and down the grid – doing all they can to “squeeze out every single gram” of weight.

At the same time, with Mercedes initially switching from silver to black in 2020 to promote diversity and equality causes, Wolff admitted that the colour “became part of our DNA” and they are “pleased to return to it”.

Mercedes show off 2023 W14 F1 car with an all-black livery

Sleek sidepods all the rage

Red Bull’s sophisticated sidepod concept for 2022’s rules reset prompted plenty of chatter in the F1 paddock and, after the team ultimately stormed to both the drivers’ and constructors’ world titles, a host of rivals appear to have shifted towards their sculpted approach.

Indeed, from the 2023 car launch and shakedown images released so far, it is clear that several teams have been working hard to re-arrange their radiator packaging, placing more around the shoulder area of the sidepods and, in turn, freeing up space at the front.

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Mercedes, though, have stuck to their guns with the ‘zero sidepod’ approach – at least initially. Wolff said at the W14’s launch that he “loves the fact we are bold”, but conceded they are also “looking at solutions” for future update packages.

Sidepods came under the spotlight during the 2023 launch season

Ferrari stage a live shakedown

F1 teams are usually keen to avoid sharing too much during car launches, but Ferrari went all-out with their 2023 reveal at Maranello, which involved a raucous presentation overlooked by a grandstand full of fans being capped off by a surprise shakedown.

Carlos Sainz felt the team were “brave” to include a live outing at the adjacent Fiorano track as part of the presentation, but praised his team for taking the risk and putting on a special show for the tifosi present and the millions watching around the world.

An amusing coin toss overseen by new team boss Frederic Vasseur resulted in Charles Leclerc being given the chance to debut the SF-23, but Sainz hopped in afterwards for a “perfect” experience – Ferrari’s gamble of sorts well and truly paying off.

Ferrari uncover 2023 SF-23 F1 car and livery at Maranello

Alpine make a special new signing

In addition to showing off a new car and a revised driver line-up at their 2023 launch, Alpine created some extra excitement by presenting international football star Zinedine Zidane – highly decorated as both a player and a manager – in a new ambassadorial role.

A passionate fan of racing, Zidane will become the brand ambassador and sponsor of Alpine’s equal opportunities programmes – Rac(H)er and the Concours Excellence Mecanique – to promote diversity in sport and the automotive industry.

“I think it’s important to tell children that, wherever they come from, they can one day become the champions of tomorrow in whatever walk of life they choose, and that they should always believe in their dreams,” said Zidane, adding that Alpine are “here to help make that possible”.

Zidane was present for the launch of Alpine’s new F1 car in London on Thursday night

Ford announce their return to F1

During Red Bull’s spectacular New York launch event, another layer was added to proceedings when Ford stepped in to announce an F1 comeback – the two parties teaming up to work on a new power unit for the sport’s next engine era.

Ford and Red Bull Powertrains – the Milton Keynes team’s dedicated engine division – are set to develop a next-gen power unit that both Red Bull Racing and the sister AlphaTauri outfit will use from 2026 until at least 2030.

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A giant of the motorsport world and the automotive industry, Ford have powered 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships over the years – from Lotus and Graham Hill in 1968 to Benetton driver Michael Schumacher in 1994.