Mercedes F1 W03

Mercedes F1 W03
	Michael Schumacher driving the W03 in the qualifying session of the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix
Category	Formula One
Constructor	Mercedes
Designer(s)	Bob Bell (Technical Director); Craig Wilson (Head of Engineering) ; John Owen (Chief Designer); Loïc Serra (Chief Vehicle Dynamicist); Russell Cooley (Chief Engineer); Loïc Bigois (Head of Aerodynamics); David Jeffrey (Chief Aerodynamicist)
Predecessor	Mercedes MGP W02
Successor	Mercedes F1 W04
Technical specifications
Chassis	Moulded carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite monocoque
Suspension (front)	Wishbone and pushrod activated torsion springs and rockers
Suspension (rear)	Wishbone and pullrod
Engine	Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z 2.4 L (146 cu in) V8 (90°). Naturally aspirated, 18,000 RPM limited with KERS mid-mounted
Transmission	Jointly Xtrac 1044 with Mercedes AMG housing seven-speed semi-automatic carbon-fibre sequential gearbox with reverse gear hydraulic activation hand-operated, seamless shift
Weight	640 kg (1,411 lb) (including driver)
Fuel	Petronas
Tyres	Pirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet); BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13"
Competition history
Notable entrants	Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team
Notable drivers	7. Michael Schumacher; 8. Nico Rosberg
Debut	2012 Australian Grand Prix
First win	2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Last win	2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Last event	2012 Brazilian Grand Prix

The Mercedes F1 W03^[5] is a Formula One racing car designed by Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team^[2] for use in the 2012 Formula One season. The car was driven by seven time World Drivers' Champion Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. The car was launched on 21 February, ahead of the second test of the winter testing season.^[6] The team used the F1 W03's predecessor, the Mercedes MGP W02, at the first test in Jerez de la Frontera — running for three of the four days — in order to evaluate the 2012 specification of Pirelli tyres.^[6] The W03 completed a shakedown at Silverstone on 16 February^[7] and carried out a private test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona on 19 February;^[8] under the sporting regulations, the team was entitled to hold a private test as they had only attended three of the four test days at Jerez.^[9]

At the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg took Mercedes's first pole position and win since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix.^[10]

^ Noble, Jonathan (25 January 2012). "Pirelli tweaks tyre markings for 2012 F1 season". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
^ ^a ^b "SILVER ARROWS WORKS TEAM TO RACE AS MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE TEAM". Mercedes GP. Mercedes GP. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
^ "Schumacher could stay in F1 after 2012". Espnf1.com. ESPN. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
^ "Rosberg extends Mercedes contract". EspnF1.con. ESPN. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
^ "Mercedes delay track debut of 2012 F1 car". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
^ ^a ^b Freeman, Glenn (27 January 2012). "Mercedes GP adamant test delay will help team with new F1 car". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
^ Collantine, Keith (16 February 2012). "Mercedes W03 spotted testing at Silverstone". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
^ "@MercedesAMGF1: 19 February". Twitter. Twitter Inc. 19 February 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
^ Cooper, Adam (19 February 2012). "Mercedes conducts full test at Barcelona with W03". Adam Cooper's F1 Blog. Wordpress. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
^ Allen, Patrick (15 April 2012). "Chinese Grand Prix 2012: Nico Rosberg Takes Perfect Victory at Superb Event". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 1 May 2023.