The Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance, simply known as the Mercedes W11, entered the 2020 Formula 1 season with a clear mission: to etch its name into the history books. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about asserting absolute dominance. And that’s precisely what the Mercedes W11 achieved, leading the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to an unprecedented seventh consecutive FIA Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship double. Despite the season’s delayed and disrupted start due to the global pandemic, the Mercedes W11 became a symbol of consistency and unparalleled performance, securing 13 victories out of 17 races – a staggering 76.5% win rate – and locking out the front row an astonishing 12 times. Driven by Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and even George Russell for a race, the Mercedes W11 was the weapon of choice for champions.
Lewis Hamilton, in particular, harnessed the full potential of the Mercedes W11, equalling Michael Schumacher’s legendary record by clinching his seventh Drivers’ Championship at the Turkish Grand Prix. His dominance was so profound that even missing a race wouldn’t have significantly impacted his lead; his points advantage alone would have placed him fifth in the championship standings. The Mercedes W11 wasn’t just about winning; it was about breaking records. Hamilton and the car together set the record for the fastest ever pole position lap in Formula 1 history at Monza, with an average speed of 164.3 mph (264.4 km/h). Many consider the Mercedes W11 to be the fastest Formula 1 car ever conceived, a benchmark unlikely to be surpassed in the near future due to subsequent regulation changes aimed at reducing downforce. To put its speed into perspective, the Mercedes W11 is estimated to be significantly faster than iconic cars of previous eras, like Ayrton Senna’s 1989 McLaren MP4/4 and Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2004. Hamilton himself described the Mercedes W11 as “the best car we have ever built. And possibly the best car we will ever have,” a testament to its exceptional engineering and performance. The Mercedes team and the Mercedes W11 together claimed new lap records at eight different circuits in 2020, further cementing its legacy. Unsurprisingly, the Mercedes W11 fittingly received the International Racing Car of the Year Award for the team at the 2020 Autosport Awards, a public acknowledgement of its supreme capabilities.
Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance Steering Wheel
Beyond its on-track performance, the Mercedes W11 also made a visual and social statement. Initially revealed in the traditional silver livery, the car’s color was changed to a striking all-black livery as a public commitment to enhancing diversity within the team, aligning with the global movement against racism. This bold livery became one of the most memorable in recent Formula 1 history, signifying the team’s intentions beyond racing, moving from the “Silver Arrows” to a symbol of change.
The Mercedes W11 was not an overnight success; it was the result of three years of dedicated development, starting in 2017, specifically targeting Mercedes’ historical weaknesses in slow-speed corners. Building upon the highly successful W10 of 2019, the Mercedes W11 incorporated further innovations. One of the most notable was the Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system, allowing drivers to adjust front wheel toe for optimized grip. Engineering advancements also included structural changes around the front uprights and wheel rims for enhanced performance, and a lower positioning of the upper side impact tube, a trend in Formula 1, to gain aerodynamic advantages. The rear suspension of the Mercedes W11 was also redesigned to improve aerodynamics and reduce understeer, showcasing a holistic approach to performance enhancement.
In total, the Mercedes W11 secured 13 wins, 12 additional podium finishes, 15 pole positions, and 9 fastest laps in just 17 races. It amassed 573 points, delivering both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship titles to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team for a record-breaking seventh consecutive time. For enthusiasts looking to own a piece of this iconic machine, the Amalgam Collection, in collaboration with the Memento Group, has created an exquisitely detailed 1:1 scale replica of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance steering wheel. Developed with the assistance of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, using original CAD data and materials, these hand-crafted replicas feature working buttons, switches, and paddles. Each Mercedes W11 steering wheel replica is CNC machined from carbon fiber and aluminum, undergoing rigorous scrutiny to ensure complete accuracy in weight, appearance, and feel. Limited to just 99 pieces, this replica offers a unique opportunity to possess a tangible piece of Formula 1 history, celebrating the unparalleled success of the Mercedes W11.
This model is part of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance Collection.
Discover the Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance Collection >
