Mercedes Car Launch 

Mercedes unveiled its 2023 challenger just a day after Ferrari launched its Sf-23 the title challenger.

The name of the new Mercedes 2023 challenger is W14. They continue their trend of naming their car starting with W. 

Livery 

Mercedes have gone to the black livery as in 2020 and 2021. But the black paint is so small in amount as compared to 2021 or 2020. The car is mainly exposed to carbon fiber. Much of the car is not painted to save weight which will help them get better lap times.

Car

The car itself is innovative and an evolution of W13 rather than a revolution. Mercedes copied the trend of Red bull of down washing the airflow. There are no more zero side-pods, but we can say a few more side-pods area has been taken. The nose is completely changed a bit more like Ferrari'. But not exactly the same. The front wing is completely redesigned. Minimal changes in suspension both in front and rear. 

Mike Elliot

Mike Elliot is optimistic about the new car and that it won't have the problems that the W13 had in the 2022 season. He clearly said that we are playing catch up to our rivals. He also added that even with a lot of changes to the car they will start the season from behind the top two.

Mind Games 

Mercedes is a master of playing mind games. In the 2022 season, it was said that Mercedes are playing mind games but it was proved that they didn't have a competitive car. This could be the same this year with Mike Elliot and Lewis Hamilton confirming that they will start from behind.

Conclusion

I think that they are right that they won't necessarily be competing at the top but they might enjoy sitting third fastest. Hope not but it looks like it.