Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid

The F1 W07 Hybrid was the successor to the F1 W06 Hybrid, which has been described as one of the most dominant cars in the sport's history.{{cite web|title=Dominant cars: Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid |url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/features/2015/12/f1-2015-season-in-numbers.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=22 December 2015|access-date=22 November 2015}} Mercedes declared that the new car designed in Brackley, with the engine from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains at Brixworth, featured "mini revolutions" over its predecessor.{{cite web|url=http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/team/locations/brackley/|title=MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS - Brackley|first=Mercedes-Benz by Daimler|last=AG|access-date=2016-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507021239/http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/team/locations/brackley/|archive-date=2016-05-07|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mercedes-amg-hpp.com/v/about_us/who_we_are/|title=Place of design for Mercedes PU106C Hybrid|work=mercedes-amg-hpp.com|access-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013082021/http://www.mercedes-amg-hpp.com/v/about_us/who_we_are/|archive-date=13 October 2015}}{{cite web | url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/2/mercedes-reveal-the-f1-w07-hybrid-.html | title=Mercedes reveal the F1 W07 Hybrid| work=Formula1.com| publisher=Formula One Administration| date=21 February 2016| access-date=21 February 2016}} The F1 W07 Hybrid was designed to use the Mercedes-Benz PU106C Hybrid power unit, a revolution of Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid power unit. The power unit consist of the upgraded version of the Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid, which was introduced during the 2015 Italian Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/amg-f1-car/pu106c-hybrid/|title=Mercedes PU106C Hybrid Power Unit|publisher=Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127182212/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/amg-f1-car/pu106c-hybrid/|archive-date=27 January 2017|url-status=dead}} The power output revolution of the PU106 Hybrid power unit was estimated around {{convert|950|hp|lk=on}} to {{convert|1000|hp|lk=on}} which had more power than Ferrari 059/5, Renault R.E.16 and Honda RA616H.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2017/3/2017-f1-season-preview-new-dawn-rises.html|title=A new dawn rises - the 2017 F1 season preview|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=17 March 2017|access-date=18 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-has-mercedes-broken-the-1000bhp-barrier-829341/|title=Has Mercedes broken the 1000bhp barrier?|work=.motorsport.com|date=23 September 2016|access-date=9 July 2017}}

The team went on improving the F1 W07 Hybrid over the course of the season. "S-duct" remains evolved by Mercedes for improving airflow efficiency from the front of the car to the back of the chassis without major disruption.{{clarify|sentence doesn't make sense|date=October 2018}}{{cite web|title=Analysis - the inner workings of Mercedes' S-duct|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/technical/2016/4/analysis---the-inner-workings-of-mercedes-s-duct.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=1 April 2016|access-date=16 November 2016}} Several improvements were made during the {{F1 GP|2016|Canadian}}, "L-shaped turning vanes" were introduced under the chassis and beside the bargeboards, front wing fins were added to better direct airflow on the outside of the car’s front wheels.{{cite web|title=Tech insight - Mercedes' Montreal updates|url=https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/technical/2016/6/tech-insight---mercedes-montreal-updates.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=13 June 2016|access-date=4 July 2016}}

A bowl-shaped rear wing was also introduced during the 2016 Canadian Grand Prix, to allow top speeds in excess of {{convert|350|km/h}} by reducing drag, producing higher downforce.{{cite web|title=Tech insight - Mercedes' bowl-shaped Baku wing|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/technical/2016/6/tech-insight---mercedes-bowl-shaped-baku-wing.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=19 June 2016|access-date=16 November 2016}} The bowl-shaped rear wing was seen similar in {{F1|2015}} known as curve rear wing and was used at the back-to-back race – the {{F1 GP|2016|European}}.{{clarify|sentence doesn't make sense|date=October 2018}} To enhance the control of ride height and roll, Mercedes tried an innovative design during {{F1 GP|2016|Singapore}} by having hydraulic third suspension element housed transversely in the upper chassis bulkhead.{{cite web|title=Tech review - Mercedes suspension in Singapore spotlight|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/technical/2016/9/tech-insight-mercedes-suspension-singapore.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=20 September 2016|access-date=21 September 2016}} Revised brakes discs with concave surface was seen developed along the season, by dissipating heat efficiently and keeping tyre temperatures consistent.{{cite web|title=Tech insight: Mercedes' unique brake discs|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/technical/2016/8/f1-technical-insight-mercedes-unique-brake-discs.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=8 August 2016|access-date=16 November 2016}}

File:Hamilton Testing Barcelona 2016.jpg

The Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid was unofficially launched at the Silverstone Circuit with Rosberg and Hamilton completing an inaugural shakedown during a promotional event on 19 February 2016.{{cite web | url=https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/2/rosberg-gives-new-mercedes-first-shakedown-run.html | title=Mercedes complete shakedown of new car at Silverstone| work=Formula1.com| publisher=Formula One Administration| date=19 February 2016| access-date=20 February 2016}} The car was driven a total of 98.2 km.

The F1 W07 Hybrid was officially launched online on 21 February 2016, one day before the 2016 inaugural pre-season testing. The F1 W07 Hybrid took part in pre-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 22–25 and March 1–4. During the eight testing days, the car completed 1294 laps; a total of {{convert|6024|km|mi|1|lk=on|abbr=on}}, equivalent to over 19 race distances.{{cite web| url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/features/2016/3/pre-season-testing-in-numbers---who-went-fastest--and-furthest-2.html | title=Pre-season testing| work=Formula1.com| publisher=Formula One Administration| date=4 March 2016| access-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Mercedes conclude pre-season testing|url=http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2016/lewis-nico-wrap-successful-second-week-testing-f1-w07-hybrid/|work=mercedesamgf1.com|access-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325213541/http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2016/lewis-nico-wrap-successful-second-week-testing-f1-w07-hybrid/|archive-date=25 March 2016|url-status=dead}} The car was also driven by 2015 GP3 Series champion Esteban Ocon and Manor Racing's regular driver Pascal Wehrlein during in-season testing.{{cite web|title=Esteban Ocon and Pascal Wehrlein drove for Mercedes during in-season testing|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/f1-test-silverstone-raikkonen-ferrari-fastest.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=13 July 2016|access-date=16 July 2016}}

File:2016 Malaysian GP opening lap 1.jpg, right before the collision between Vettel and Rosberg]]

Having "mini revolutions" over its 2 predecessors; - the F1 W05 Hybrid and F1 W06 Hybrid, the F1 W07 Hybrid continued to enjoy the same immense success that Mercedes had taken since 2014. At the halfway point of the season, Mercedes had secured all but one win – the {{F1 GP|2016|Spanish}}, won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, where the two Mercedes drivers collided on the opening lap, immediately sending both men into retirement{{cite web|title=Mercedes collision puts Hamilton and Rosberg out on lap 1|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/mercedes-collision-puts-hamilton-and-rosberg-out-on-lap-one.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=15 May 2016|access-date=23 September 2016}} – and one pole – the {{F1 GP|2016|Monaco}}, where Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo took pole position due to technical gremlins affecting both drivers during Q3.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Ricciardo storms to maiden pole in Monaco|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/qualifying---ricciardo-storms-to-maiden-pole-in-monaco.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 May 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} The car took ten consecutive wins – from the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix to the 2016 Singapore Grand Prix, just one win shy of the record held by McLaren during the 1988 Formula One season.{{cite web|title=Formula 1 constructors consecutive wins|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/constructeur/victoire/consecutive.aspx|work=statsf1.com|date=20 September 2016|access-date=20 September 2016}}{{cite web|title=McLaren's streak of 11 consecutive race wins from 1988 remains the all-time record|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/10/sepang-stats---red-bull-score-first-one-two-since-2013.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=2 October 2016|access-date=3 October 2016}}

For Mercedes, the win at the {{F1 GP|2016|Mexican}} marked the 17th triumph in 19 races. With that tally, the F1 W07 Hybrid broke the previous record from its predecessors of 16 wins in a single season, set in both 2014 and 2015.{{cite web|title=Mexico stats - Hamilton moves level with Prost|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/10/f1-mexico-gp-stats-hamilton-prost.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=30 October 2016|access-date=31 October 2016}} At the next race, the {{F1 GP|2016|Brazilian}}, Hamilton secured a record 19th pole position for the team in the season,{{cite web|title=FIA post-qualifying press conference - Brazil |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/fia-post-qualifying-press-conference---brazil.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=12 November 2016|access-date=16 November 2016}} beating the previous record of 18 poles in a season, achieved in 2011 (Red Bull), 2014 and 2015 (both Mercedes). In twenty-one races, the F1 W07 Hybrid took nineteen wins (ten for Hamilton and nine for Rosberg), twenty pole positions (twelve for Hamilton and eight for Rosberg), nine fastest laps (three for Hamilton and six for Rosberg), fourteen front row lockouts and eight 1–2 finishes, earning 765 constructors' points. The team clinched their third consecutive Constructors' Championship at the {{F1 GP|2016|Japanese}}, the 17th race of the season with four races to spare.{{cite web|title=Rosberg wins in Japan as Mercedes seal constructors' crown|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/rosberg-wins-in-japan-as-mercedes-seal-constructors-crown.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=9 October 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}

Poor getaways at the start of the race and reliability issues troubled Mercedes throughout the season.{{cite web|title=2016 season review|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/12/f1-2016-season-review-rosberg-hamilton.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=7 December 2016|access-date=12 February 2016}} The poor starts issue was deemed to be a hardware problem related to clutch warming. It occurred at various races including the Australian, Bahrain, German, Italian and Japanese Grands Prix.{{cite web|title=Mercedes seeking clutch solution to poor starts|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-seeking-clutch-solution-to-poor-starts-684882/|work=motorsport.com|date=5 April 2016|access-date=12 February 2017}}{{cite web|title=Hamilton blames 'inconsistent clutch' for poor start|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/233347/1/hamilton-blames-inconsistent-clutch-for-poor-start.html|work=crash.net|date=4 September 2016|access-date=12 February 2017}} Reoccurring power unit issues were suffered at the Chinese, Russian, Monaco and British Grands Prix.{{cite web|title=Wolff: Venting fury over reliability issues would make things worse|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-venting-fury-over-reliability-issues-would-make-things-worse-741629/|work=motorsport.com|date=29 May 2016|access-date=12 February 2017}} The most notable reliability problem arose during the {{F1 GP|2016|Malaysian}}, where Hamilton's engine failed and he retired from the lead.{{cite web|title=No link between Hamilton engine failures - Mercedes|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/no-link-between-hamilton-engine-failures-mercedes-834652/|work=motorsport.com|date=3 October 2016|access-date=12 February 2017}}

Hamilton took pole position for the season-opening {{F1 GP|2016|Australian}}, ahead of teammate Rosberg, in the first use of a new qualifying format.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton takes 50th career pole|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/3/qualifying---hamilton-takes-50th-career-pole.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=19 March 2016|access-date=19 March 2016}} During the race, both Mercedes cars suffered poor starts compared to the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen. A violent accident resulting from a collision between Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutiérrez on lap 19 caused a red flag. Mercedes took the opportunity to use a tyre strategy which relegated Vettel to third place, completing a 1–2 finish.{{cite web|title=Rosberg wins drama-filled Melbourne race|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/3/rosberg-wins-drama-filled-melbourne-race.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=20 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2016}} Hamilton took pole position again at the {{F1 GP|2016|Bahrain}}, ahead of Rosberg.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton pips Rosberg for Bahrain pole|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/4/qualifying---hamilton-pips-rosberg-for-bahrain-pole.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=2 April 2016|access-date=8 April 2016}} Rosberg had a better start in the race than Hamilton and passed him into the lead, whilst Hamilton had contact with Williams' Valtteri Bottas at turn one, dropping to ninth on the opening lap. Rosberg went on to win the race, while Hamilton fought his way back to secure third.{{cite web|title=Rosberg makes it five in a row after dramatic Bahrain race|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/4/rosberg-makes-it-five-in-a-row-after-dramatic-bahrain-race.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=3 April 2016|access-date=8 April 2016}}

Rosberg took his first pole position in the {{F1 GP|2016|Chinese}}. Hamilton had suffered reliability issues with the Motor Generator Unit–Heat (MGU-H), making him unable to set a lap time in qualifying.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Rosberg beats Ricciardo to pole in Shanghai|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/4/qualifying---rosberg-beats-ricciardo-to-pole-in-shanghai.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=16 April 2016|access-date=17 April 2016}} Rosberg took his third consecutive win in {{F1|2016}} ahead of Sebastian Vettel, with teammate Hamilton fighting his way back from 22nd to seventh.{{cite web|title=Rosberg takes win six after thrilling China race|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/4/rosberg-takes-win-six-after-thrilling-china-race.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=17 April 2016|access-date=17 April 2016}} Rosberg claimed his first career Grand Slam (pole position, fastest lap, led every lap and win during the same race), at the {{F1 GP|2016|Russian}}, while Hamilton again suffered reliability issues during qualifying, fighting back from 10th to secure a 1–2 finish for the team during the race.{{cite web|title=Qualifying – Rosberg eases to Sochi pole after Hamilton failure|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/4/qualifying---rosberg-gifted-sochi-pole-after-hamilton-failure.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=30 April 2016|access-date=2 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=Rosberg wins as Hamilton recovers to second in Russia|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/rosberg-wins-as-hamilton-recovers-to-second-in-russia.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=1 May 2016|access-date=2 May 2016}}

File:Rosberg Hamilton - 2016 Monaco GP 2.jpg

Hamilton and Rosberg locked out the front row once again at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Hamilton taking his third pole of the season. On the first lap of the race, Rosberg had a slightly better start and overtook Hamilton on the outside of Turn 1. On the run down to Turn 4, Rosberg realized he was on the wrong engine mode which caused him to slow down and he quickly corrected it, Hamilton, at the same time, seeing a gap, rapidly closed on Rosberg and made an overtaking maneuver. Rosberg immediately closed the gap but it was too late, Hamilton was pushed into the grass, spun at high speed and collided with Rosberg sending both of them into the gravel trap leading to Mercedes' first double retirement since the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, thus ending any hope of a perfect season.{{cite web|title=Hamilton takes Spanish pole as Red Bull humble Ferrari|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/hamilton-takes-spanish-pole-as-red-bull-humble-ferrari.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=14 May 2016|access-date=21 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=Verstappen stuns with maiden win in Spain|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/verstappen-stuns-with-maiden-win-in-spain.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=15 May 2016|access-date=21 May 2016}}

Mercedes lost out on pole position at {{F1 GP|2016|Monaco}} due to technical gremlins affecting both drivers. Changeable condition from wet to dry saw Hamilton take his first win in 2016 by beating Daniel Ricciardo (who suffered after a pitstop in which the tyres were not ready), while Rosberg struggled from start to finish due to suspected glazed brakes, finishing in 7th.{{cite web|title=Hamilton beats Ricciardo in wet-dry Monaco thriller|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/hamilton-beats-ricciardo-in-wet-dry-monaco-thriller.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=29 May 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}}

At the {{F1 GP|2016|Canadian}}, Hamilton took pole position by 61 hundredths of a second with Rosberg on the front row.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton edges Rosberg, Vettel for Canada pole|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/6/qualifying---hamilton-edges-rosberg--vettel-for-canada-pole.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=11 June 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} During the race, Hamilton held off Vettel to claim his fifth win in Canada. Rosberg was only able to manage 5th after first-corner contact with his teammate and a late-race puncture.{{cite web|title=Hamilton holds off Vettel for fifth Canada win|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/6/hamilton-fends-off-vettel-for-fifth-canada-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=12 June 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} Having completed one-third of the season, Mercedes had a 76-point lead over their closest rivals, Ferrari.

Coming to the newly revived {{F1 GP|2016|European}} held at Baku City Circuit, Rosberg took his second career Grand Slam while Hamilton qualified tenth due to an error during qualifying, finishing the race in fifth with an incorrect pre-set hybrid deployment mode costing him time.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Rosberg on Baku pole as Hamilton crashes out|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/6/qualifying---rosberg-on-pole-in-baku-as-hamilton-crashes-out.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=18 June 2016|access-date=19 June 2016}}{{cite web|title=Rosberg beats Vettel to inaugural Baku win|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2016/6/rosberg-beats-vettel-to-inaugural-baku-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=19 June 2016|access-date=19 June 2016}}

File:Hamilton Austria 2016.jpg following a collision with Nico Rosberg on the race's last lap.]]

At the ninth round of the season – {{F1 GP|2016|Austrian}}, Hamilton took his 10th career hat-trick as the Mercedes pair collided during the last lap, with Rosberg limping home for fourth with a seriously damaged car.{{cite web|title=Hamilton beats Rosberg after thrilling finish in Austria|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/hamilton-beats-rosberg-after-thrilling-finish-in-austria.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=3 July 2016|access-date=4 July 2016}} Following the collision, Mercedes introduced a new driver management policy – "Rules of Engagement", dictating the terms by which Hamilton and Rosberg could race one another and promising penalties in the event of on-track altercations.{{cite web|last1=Benson|first1=Andrew|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: Team orders an option - Wolff|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/36699188|publisher=BBC|access-date=9 July 2016|date=3 July 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Daniel|title=Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg face suspension threat from angry Mercedes to prevent more collisions|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/07/04/lewis-hamilton-and-nico-rosberg-face-suspension-threat-from-angr/|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709115246/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/07/04/lewis-hamilton-and-nico-rosberg-face-suspension-threat-from-angr/|archive-date=9 July 2016|date=4 July 2016}} Hamilton won his third consecutive {{F1 GP|2016|British}} from pole position, a record at the Silverstone Circuit, while Rosberg holding second, suffered a critical gearbox problem during mid-race. Mercedes instructed him to reset the gearbox and to avoid using seventh gear or else risk a catastrophic failure, which prompted an investigation by the stewards for providing him with assistance. Rosberg was ultimately penalised for the radio call, having ten seconds added to his race time, which demoted him to third behind Max Verstappen.{{cite web|title=Hamilton wins wet-dry Silverstone thriller|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/silverstone-race-report.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=10 July 2016|access-date=11 July 2016}}{{cite web|title=Rosberg demoted to third after radio penalty|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/f1-rosberg-third-after-penalty-silverstone.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=10 July 2016|access-date=11 July 2016}}

File:Esteban Ocon - Mercedes (32266374184).jpg Esteban Ocon testing the F1 W07 Hybrid in July at Silverstone]]

Hamilton took over the lead in the Drivers' Championship after the {{F1 GP|2016|Hungarian}} as he led Rosberg to complete a 1–2 finish, thus in succession setting a new record for the most wins in Hungary, surpassing Michael Schumacher.{{cite web|title=Hamilton takes championship lead with Hungary win|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/hamilton-takes-championship-lead-with-hungary-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=24 July 2016|access-date=6 August 2016}}{{cite web|title=Budapest stats - Hamilton takes historic fifth win in Hungary|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/7/budapest-stats---hamilton-takes-historic-fifth-hungary-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=24 July 2016|access-date=6 August 2016}} Hamilton took his fourth consecutive victory within a month at the {{F1 GP|2016|German}}, heading into the summer break with a 19-point lead over his teammate.{{cite web|title=Hamilton extends championship lead with victory in Germany|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/7/hamilton-extends-championship-lead-with-victory-in-germany.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=31 July 2016|access-date=6 August 2016}}{{cite web|title=Hockenheim stats - Red Bull overhaul Ferrari for first time in two years|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/7/hockenheim-stats---red-bull-move-ahead-of-ferrari-for-first-time.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=31 July 2016|access-date=6 August 2016}} At the {{F1 GP|2016|Belgian}}, Hamilton took 60 grid penalties for exceeding his season allocation of engine components, therefore starting at the back of the grid, whilst Rosberg took pole position.{{cite web|title=Six key questions ahead of the race in Belgium|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/8/six-key-questions-ahead-of-the-race-in-belgium.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 August 2016|access-date=3 September 2016}} Eventually, Rosberg won his first Belgian Grand Prix by leading from start to finish, while Hamilton fought his way up to claim 3rd – thereby making him the first driver to start 20th or lower and finish on the podium on three occasions.{{cite web|title=Spa stats - Hamilton takes historic podium from rear of the grid|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/8/f1-spa-stats-hamilton-podium-history.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 August 2016|access-date=3 September 2016}} At the {{F1 GP|2016|Italian}}, Rosberg claimed his seventh win of the season after Hamilton lost the lead due to a poor start but recovered to finish second, thus making it the fourth 1-2 finish for the team in the season. As a result, Rosberg narrowed Hamilton's lead in the driver's championship to only 2 points.{{cite web|title=Rosberg beats slow-starting Hamilton to Monza win|url= http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/9/rosberg-beats-slow-starting-hamilton-to-monza-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=4 September 2016|access-date= 5 September 2016}} Having completed two-thirds of the season, Mercedes had a 208-point lead over their nearest competitors - Red Bull Racing.

At the {{F1 GP|2016|Singapore}}, Rosberg took back the Drivers' Championship lead over Hamilton when he won his third consecutive race and eighth overall after fending off a late charge by Ricciardo in the closing laps. Hamilton, despite having brake temperature problems, was able to claim the final spot on the podium by keeping Räikkönen at bay.{{cite web|title=Rosberg beats Ricciardo in Singapore to retake title lead|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/9/rosberg-beats-ricciardo-in-singapore-to-retake-title-lead.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=18 September 2016|access-date= 19 September 2016}}File:Lewis Hamilton engine failure 2016 Malaysian GP 2.jpg and retired from the lead.]] A major twist in the Drivers' Championship occurred at the {{F1 GP|2016|Malaysian}}. Hamilton, while leading, suffered an engine failure which led to a Red Bull 1–2 finish. Rosberg dropped to 17th due to a first lap collision with Vettel but recovered to finish in third which extended his lead in the championship to 23 points over Hamilton with five races remaining.{{cite web|title=Ricciardo beats Verstappen as Red Bull finish one-two in Malaysia|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/ricciardo-beats-verstappen-as-Red-Bull-finish-one-two-in-Malaysia.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=2 October 2016|access-date=5 October 2016}} At the {{F1 GP|2016|Japanese}}, Hamilton started poorly and dropped from second to eighth place, but recovered to finish third, while Rosberg got away cleanly from the start and won the race from pole position, making this his ninth win of the season. The first and third places also secured Mercedes' 3rd Constructors' title in a row. At the {{F1 GP|2016|United States}}, Hamilton took his seventh win of the season from pole position.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton storms to US pole|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/qualifying---hamilton-storms-to-us-pole.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=22 October 2016|access-date=28 October 2016}} It was his first win since the German Grand Prix before the summer break and his 50th Grand Prix career victory. He became only the third F1 driver in history to reach 50 Grand Prix victories, trailing only Alain Prost (51) and Michael Schumacher (91).{{cite web|title=Austin stats - Hamilton joins Prost and Schumacher in 50-win club|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/10/austin-stats---hamilton-joins-prost-and-schumacher-in-50-win-clu.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=23 October 2016|access-date=28 October 2016}} Rosberg initially lost out to Daniel Ricciardo at the start but he was able to retake the second position due to a "free" pitstop under a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) on lap 31, which was caused by the retirement of Max Verstappen. Both drivers went on to complete a fifth 1-2 finish for the team in the season.{{cite web|title=Hamilton beats Rosberg in Austin to close title race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/hamilton-beats-rosberg-in-austin-to-close-title-race.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=23 October 2016|access-date=28 October 2016}}

At the {{F1 GP|2016|Mexican}}, Hamilton took pole position while Rosberg secured the twelfth front row lockout for the team by beating Verstappen and Ricciardo on his final run.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton's pole as Rosberg recovers to second |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/qualifying---hamiltons-pole-as-rosberg-recovers-to-second-.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=29 October 2016|access-date=31 October 2016}} Both drivers managed to stay ahead after the start although neither Hamilton nor Rosberg stayed on track at the first corner. Hamilton missed the braking point while a diving Verstappen made heavy wheel-to-wheel contact with Rosberg, causing both Mercedes drivers to go on to the grass. The Verstappen-Rosberg incident was reviewed by the stewards though no further action was taken. Hamilton went on to win his eighth Grand Prix of the season, Rosberg meanwhile had to defend his position from a charging Verstappen.{{cite web|title=Hamilton wins in Mexico as Vettel takes last-gasp podium|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/10/hamilton-keeps-title-hopes-alive-with-victory-in-mexico.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=30 October 2016|access-date=31 October 2016}} On lap 49, Verstappen had a go at Rosberg who lost time by going over a curb (while being behind a backmarker). Verstappen could not successfully execute his move, however, and Rosberg managed to keep his second position until the end, completing yet another 1-2 finish for the team. Meanwhile, Hamilton won his 51st Grand Prix which saw him tie Alain Prost for second most career victories on the all-time list.{{cite web|title=Mexico stats - Hamilton moves level with Prost|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/10/f1-mexico-gp-stats-hamilton-prost.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=30 October 2016|access-date=31 October 2016}} Hamilton's win in Mexico also gave Mercedes their seventeenth win of the season, setting a new Formula 1 record for most team wins in a single season, breaking their own record of 16 wins in each of the previous two seasons.{{cite web|title=Winners and Losers - Mexico|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/10/f1-winners-and-losers-mexico-gp.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=31 October 2016|access-date=20 November 2016}}

Hamilton took his maiden victory at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace after starting on pole position at the penultimate race – {{F1 GP|2016|Brazilian}}, while Rosberg survived a near-spin due to wet weather conditions, gave Mercedes their seventh 1-2 finish of the season.{{cite web|title=Hamilton wins Brazil marathon to set up title showdown|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/hamilton-wins-brazil-marathon-to-set-up-title-showdown.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=13 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}} With this wet-weather masterclass victory, Hamilton set a new record for wins at the most different circuits (24) and moved ahead of Alain Prost on the list of all-time wins.{{cite web|title=Brazil stats - Hamilton wins at record 24th different track|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/11/f1-brazil-stats-hamilton-wins-record-24th-track.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=13 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}} Moreover, he also kept his Drivers' Championship chances alive, setting up a title decider between the Mercedes duo at the {{F1 GP|2016|Abu Dhabi}} – a repeat of the 2014 Drivers' Championship showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit.{{cite web|title=Winners and Losers - Brazil|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/11/f1-winners-and-losers-brazil-gp.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=13 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}}{{cite web|title=Abu Dhabi's previous title deciders|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/11/f1-abu-dhabi-previous-title-deciders.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=25 November 2016|access-date=25 November 2016}}

File:Nico Rosberg 2016 Malaysia Q3.jpg

At the final race of the 2016 season, the title rivals took their 14th front-row lockout with Hamilton having out qualified championship leader Rosberg by one-third of a second.{{cite web|title=Qualifying - Hamilton on pole for title showdown|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/qualifying---hamilton-on-pole-for-title-showdown.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=26 November 2016|access-date=26 November 2016}} During the race, both Mercedes started well and maintained their respective positions. Hamilton moved clear from the field while Rosberg had a lengthy pit stop for preventing an unsafe release, thus critically losing a position to Verstappen. Rosberg followed Verstappen for the next 12 laps before finally slicing past the Red Bull.{{cite web|title=Rosberg crowned champion as Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi thriller|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/rosberg-crowned-champion-as-hamilton-wins-abu-dhabi-thriller.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} Rosberg then set numerous fastest laps to cut down Hamilton's advantage, while Hamilton, in his bid to secure his fourth title, tried to back his teammate up into the clutch of Verstappen. Vettel joined the group by using alternative strategy – using fresh supersoft tyres, he then made a pass on Verstappen for a podium position, thus separating Hamilton, Rosberg, himself, and Verstappen by less than three seconds. Hamilton was told numerous times via team radio to speed up due to risk of jeopardising the win.{{cite web|title=Wolff: Hamilton hurry-up was to protect the win|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/f1-wolff-hamilton-abu-dhabi-protect-the-win.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} Hamilton ignored and disobeyed team radio instructions, arguing that his team should "let us race", and continued backing his teammate up.{{cite web|title=Hamilton insists race was 'clean and fair'|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/hamilton-insists-race-was-clean-and-fair.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} Eventually, Hamilton took the chequered flag by 0.4s from Rosberg, while Rosberg defended well from the fast coming Vettel by another 0.4s, while Verstappen took fourth, just 0.8s behind Vettel.{{cite web|title=FIA post-race press conference - Abu Dhabi|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/fia-post-race-press-conference---abu-dhabi.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} From this result, Hamilton took his tenth win of the season but had lost the Drivers' Championship by five points. (Hamilton: 380 points; as compared to Rosberg: 385 points), therefore Rosberg was crowned as the 2016 Formula One World Drivers' Champion, his maiden and only title.{{cite web|title=Nico Rosberg's title triumph in numbers|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/11/f1-nico-rosberg-champion-2016-title-in-numbers.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}}{{cite web|title=Winners and Losers - Abu Dhabi|url=http://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2016/11/f1-winners-and-losers-abu-dhabi-gp.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}}

File:2016 FIA World Champion cars (31386345405).jpg

The team finished the season with 765 constructors championship points, breaking their own record again of 703 points set at the previous season for most constructor points in a single season.{{cite web|title=2016 constructor standings|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2016/team.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 February 2017}} Furthermore, it had also defeated the nearest rivals – Red Bull by 297 points, the highest difference on points between world constructor's champion and the runner-up in the sport's 67th year of history. In addition, Mercedes ultimately claimed the Drivers' Championship and Constructors' Championship title double for the third consecutive season.{{cite web|title=Rosberg and Mercedes collect championship trophies|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/12/rosberg-and-mercedes-collect-championship-trophies.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=3 December 2016|access-date=13 March 2017}}

{{As of|2024|12|df=}}, the F1 W07 Hybrid holds the following Formula One records:

• Most pole positions in a season with highest percentage: 20 pole positions (95.2%){{cite web|title=Most Pole Positions in a Season|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/constructeur/pole/annee.aspx|work=Stats F1|date=19 March 2017|access-date=19 March 2017}}
• Most podiums in a season: 33 podiums{{cite web|title=Most Podiums in a Season|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/constructeur/podium/annee.aspx|work=Stats F1|date=19 March 2017|access-date=19 March 2017}}

{{Clear}}

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{Clear}}

• Mercedes-AMG Project One (Related road car development)

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid}}

• [http://www.mercedes-amg-f1.com/en/fahrzeug/f1-w07-hybrid/ The F1 W07 on Mercedes' official website]

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{{s-ach|aw}}

{{succession box | before = Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid | title = Autosport
Racing Car of the Year | after = Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ | years = 2016}}

{{s-end}}

{{F1 cars 2016}}

{{Mercedes in Formula One}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid}}

F1 W07

Category:2016 Formula One season cars

Category:Formula One championship–winning cars