Formula One fans have been reacting to Mercedes’ livery for the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and it relates to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
The worst-kept secret in sport: Verstappen is talking to Mercedes. George Russell confirmed it at the Austrian Grand Prix, and the story has evolved since as reports emerged that the Mercedes board were deciding between the drivers.
It would be one of the biggest driver moves in F1’s history. The four-time world champion would make Mercedes an instant contender for the 2026 title and beyond.
But fans all noticed the same thing about the Mercedes car at the British Grand Prix. Could it be a message to Verstappen?
Fans react to orange stars on Mercedes’ Silverstone livery
Mercedes rolled out their car this weekend, which features orange stars down the back of the car. Orange is the colour of Verstappen’s home country, the Netherlands, leaving fans to speculate on the reason for the colour being featured on their car.
One fan said, “Dutchman inbound incoming?” Another added, “Celebrating a max deal 👀”.
The orange didn’t stop at the car. The team pulled up to the track in orange cars, and even the safety car, which is a Mercedes, is orange this weekend.
One fan found the humour in this, saying, “Toto Wolff is doing everything to sign Max Verstappen😭”, and another said, “there are maxcedes signs everywhere for those with the eyes to see”.
Fans enjoyed speculating on the reason for the orange. One said, “Actually love an orange-mercedes conspiracy theory 🤣.” Another was simply hoping for the move to come into fruition, adding “I really hope it happens!”
But unfortunately for these fans, there is a real reason that Mercedes rolled out with orange this weekend.
The real reason Mercedes has an orange theme for Silverstone
Ok, yes, Mercedes haven’t actually pulled a publicity stunt with the aim of announcing, or impressing, Verstappen. The reason for the orange is actually a celebration of Mercedes’ past, present and future.
Mercedes explained on their website, “It’s all to do with our celebration of the three-pointed star’s past, present, and future, as F1 gets set to celebrate its 75th anniversary, at the home of the very first F1 World Championship race in 1950.
“The future will be seen with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, Mercedes-AMG’s pioneering technology programme, that recently launched at Mercedes-AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters with George, Kimi and Valtteri.”
The statement goes on, “A concept car that offers insight into the first series-production model based on AMG.EA high performance will be on display at Silverstone. The concept car’s eye-catching sunset beam orange livery is inspired by the revolutionary Mercedes C111 vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s.
“The sunset beam orange accents will feature on the W16 including the famous three-pointed stars on its nose and engine cover, driver overalls, and both George and Kimi will run special helmets incorporating the colour in celebration of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX launch.”
Still, the timing is hilarious!