12.04.202355 years AMG: Formula 1-Mercedes with retro-starting numbers

Visible intersections between the fields of motorsport are not very common. But the 2022 Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix presented a rare opportunity. This is where the cars of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell went to the start with retro starting numbers on their sidepods.

The reason for this was the 55th anniversary of AMG, Mercedes' in-house high-performance and racing department. AMG was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The initials of their two surnames form the company abbreviation together with the "G" from Großaspach, the first AMG headquarters. Today, Mercedes racing cars - whether in Formula 1 or in GT racing - always go by the name "Mercedes-AMG". And the term has also long been established as an equipment variant for road cars.

AMG achieved its first notable sporting success in 1971 at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps, which closes the circle for the retro starting numbers in the 2022 Formula 1-race. The 24-hour race was then held with touring cars. AMG launched a huge sedan, the 300 SEL 6.8. Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz finished second overall and celebrated victory in their class. These were remarkable results as the limousine, with its 6.8 liter V8 engine and over 400 hp, also towed a considerable weight through the Ardennes. In addition to the sheer size of the car, the bright red color and the large start numbers in white circles on the doors ensured the striking appearance, which has since been used several times as the basis for retro designs at the 24 Hours of Spa.

On the occasion of AMG's 55th birthday, it was also taken up by the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team, which thus celebrated the anniversary at the site of success of the 300 SEL 6.8. While retaining the basic silver design of Lewis Hamilton's and George Russell's F1 W13, their starting numbers 44 and 63 were placed on the sidepods on a white circular background.

Spark released the two cars in scale 1:43. Also available is the show car, which has the red color scheme of the AMG 300 SEL 6.8 in the area of the front end, which merges into the standard design on the side boxes. All models are limited to 500 pieces each and are delivered with a Mercedes factory packaging.

However, the podium could not be reached with the retro-numbers. Lewis Hamilton collided with Fernando Alonso in the starting lap in the Les Combes-chicane and dropped out. George Russell became fourth.

Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 Showcar 55th Anniversary Belgium GP Formula 1 2022 1:43, RRP 99,95 €, item-no.: B66960657

George Russell Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 #63 4th Belgium GP Formula 1 2022 1:43, RRP 99,95 €, item-no.: B66960656

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 #44 Belgium GP Formula 1 2022 1:43 Spark, RRP 99,95 €, item-no.: B66960655

produits

	George Russell Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 #63 4ème Belge GP formule 1 2022 1:43 Spark	89,96 €
	Lewis Hamilton Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 #44 Belge GP formule 1 2022 1:43 Spark	89,96 €