Paul Aron: Class of 2023 - Junior Programme Line-Up
The seven young drivers will be a part of Mercedes’ Junior Programme for the 2023 season
Mercedes have announced their junior drivers’ lineup for the 2023 season, comprising some of the brightest youngsters in motorsport. The Junior Programme Class of 2023 includes Andrea Antonelli, Paul Aron, Kenzo Craigie, Yuanpu Cui, Luna Fluxa, Alex Powell and Frederik Vesti. The seven drivers will compete in multiple categories spread over the entire F1 feeder series ladder spectrum, from karting to FIA Formula 2.
Mercedes driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue is happy with the line-up they have been able to put in place and is confident that the team will really do well in all categories of FIA events this year. “For 2023, our Junior Programme has drivers racing in almost every step of the feeder series ladder. We’re optimistic it’s going to be another strong season and year of positive progress”, Lagrue said. He further added: “After an initial taste of F1 in Abu Dhabi last year at the rookie test, we expect Frederik Vesti to be fighting for wins and be in contention for the FIA F2 title. We are also pleased to welcome the talented Kenzo Craigie to our programme in 2023, becoming our youngest junior as he tackles the British karting championships.”
The new F1 season is just a few days away and the first pre-season test is scheduled to take place from 23-25 February in Bahrain. Like other teams, Mercedes will have the opportunity to try out their new W-14 car before heading to the new season.The new car has undergone significant modifications from the previous W-13 version and it looks stunning in the all-black avatar.
Mercedes have kept the front part of the car similar to the likes of Ferrari and AplhaTauri. The nose of the car is attached to the main plane of the front wing. The W-14’s nose has a hole at the tip to facilitate driver cooling and pass air to keep the airflow clean. The front wing is relatively more mid-loaded than the previous version. Mercedes has opted for the push-rod option in the front and continued to use pull-rod suspension at the rear. Overall, the W-14 is significantly different from the W-13 with obvious changes visible in the colour of livery, design and structure.
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