Silver Arrows: The story of Mercedes-Benz in motor sport

Lewis Hamilton's record-breaking achievements in F1 are the latest successes in a glorious motor sport record for Mercedes and Benz that stretches back to the 1890s. This book covers the triumphs and disasters, from the early Grand Prix machines and the advanced racers of the 1930s to the highs of F1, Le Mans, and Mille Miglia glory and the 1955 Le Mans disaster. It also celebrates the achievements of some of the world's greatest drivers, from Caracciola, Fangio, and Moss to Hakkinen, Unser, and Hamilton.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2022
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

Lewis Hamilton's record-breaking achievements in Formula One are the latest additions to Mercedes and Benz's illustrious motor sport legacy, which dates back to the early races of the 1890s. For the first time, this book delves into the history of Mercedes in motor sport, encompassing the pioneers of the 19th century and the cutting-edge hybrid Formula One cars of today. It chronicles the triumphs and tragedies, from the early Grand Prix machines and the extraordinarily advanced and powerful racers of the 1930s to the heights of Formula One, Le Mans, and Mille Miglia glory, as well as the devastating 1955 Le Mans disaster. The story is brought to the present day, highlighting Mercedes' victories in sports car racing, IndyCar, Formula One, and Formula E. Moreover, this book pays tribute to some of the greatest drivers in the world, including Caracciola, Fangio, Moss, Hakkinen, Unser, and Hamilton.

The roots of Mercedes' involvement in motor sport can be traced back to the early days of automotive competition. In 1886, the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) founded by Carl Benz, the inventor of the automobile, entered a team in the first German Grand Prix. Although the team did not achieve any significant results, it marked the beginning of Mercedes' commitment to motor sport.

Over the years, Mercedes continued to participate in various motor racing events, including the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, which became a regular fixture on the Formula One calendar. The team's success in these races was a testament to their engineering prowess and dedication to innovation.

In the 1930s, Mercedes emerged as a dominant force in motor sport. The company's racing cars, known as "Silver Arrows," were renowned for their speed, agility, and reliability. The Silver Arrows dominated the Grand Prix circuit, winning numerous championships and setting numerous records.

One of the most iconic Silver Arrows was the W196, which was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio to victory in the 1954 and 1955 World Championships. Fangio's record-breaking performances earned him the nickname "The Argentine Ace" and cemented his place in motor sport history.

Mercedes' success in motor sport continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with the company winning numerous championships in various racing disciplines. However, the 1970s also saw the rise of rival teams, particularly Ferrari, which challenged Mercedes' dominance on the track.

Despite the competition, Mercedes remained committed to motor sport and continued to innovate. The company introduced the hybrid Formula One car in 2014, which marked a significant milestone in the history of motor racing. The hybrid technology allowed the car to combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, resulting in increased power and reduced emissions.

Today, Mercedes is one of the most successful teams in motor sport, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas currently driving for the team. Mercedes has won numerous championships in Formula One, including the 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 World Championships. The team has also won numerous races and set numerous records, including the fastest lap in the history of Formula One.

In addition to its success in motor sport, Mercedes has also made significant contributions to the development of automotive technology. The company has pioneered the use of hybrid technology in motor vehicles, and has also developed advanced safety systems and driver-assistance technologies.

Overall, Mercedes' record-breaking achievements in motor sport are a testament to the company's commitment to innovation, excellence, and performance. The company's history in motor sport dates back to the early days of automotive competition, and its legacy continues to inspire and drive innovation in the automotive industry today.

Weight: 944g
Dimension: 281 x 289 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719840159