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Mercedes AMG F1 W12 front nose detail
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Analysis

Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?

Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat

The king is dead, long live the king. Mercedes' W11, having exited stage left with the title of Formula 1's fastest car draped around its shoulders, is no more. In its place the title-hoarding Brackley squad has unveiled its W12, 2021's car to beat.

With the prestige of streaking to seven successive drivers' and constructors' titles comes the obvious question: will this train ever slow down? Of course, the sword of Damocles threatens to dangle above the team's dominance once the year clicks over to 2022 - but in the meantime, the continuation of the 2020 cars suggests that Mercedes should be able to continue its run of form into this season. Unless, of course, Red Bull is hiding something very special...

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