What Is AMG and Why Is It Such a Big Part of Mercedes F1?

Mercedes AMG have been one of the greatest racing teams to ever race in Formula 1, especially since the dawn of the hybrid era. And there is something interesting to notice on the cars; the name AMG, that sports its presence right below the classic Mercedes.

AMG has been tagging along with the Brackley outfit since their re-birth into F1 back in 2010. Over the past few years, this brand has been making its presence very much clear on the Mercedes-built F1 cars.

And the 2021 season’s W12 is no exception. In fact, the AMG has somehow taken over the car’s engine cover, consequently taking its presence up a notch.

This may have left a few fans wondering, what is this AMG? And how did it gain such overwhelming support from the German team?

Well, AMG stands for the names of the two engineers who were working for Daimler-Benz. Eventually, the duo built this massive subsidiary into the Daimler-owned company back in 1967. They are Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher.

While Mercedes specialized in building road cars, AMG are solely focused on tuning these cars into much faster and aggressive beasts. Eventually, AMG, with massive Mercedes backing, nosed their way into motorsports as well, including 24-hour races, Endurance series, and Supercar Championships.

Mercedes AMG entry into F1

Following the hefty contributions to secondary racing series, the German manufacturers decided to carry AMG into the world-class FIA-led Formula series, F1.

The Silver Arrows joined the F1 grid over the 2010 F1 season under the name, Petronas Mercedes GP. However, it took the team a year to bring their subsidiary into play as well, as they renamed their F1 team, Petronas Mercedes-AMG, later in 2011.

It has since remained the same with respect to both the team name and the chassis name. Moreover, the cars also run with AMG-powered engines, Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains at the back.

Does that mean AMG had no connection whatsoever with F1 before the 2011 season?

Well, no.

AMG’s contribution to F1 as safety cars

AMG have been a part of the F1 grid even before the 2010 season; although not as an F1 team, but as safety cars.

The German company lent their C63 AMG to assume the role of a safety car during the 1996 F1 season. The sport looked rather pleased with the German manufacturer’s presence, as contracts were regularly signed to keep their relationship intact. And this affair is still very much alive at this very moment.

What’s more, the 2021 F1 season will also flag off the 26th year for F1’s collaboration with Mercedes’ AMG power-driven cars.

Overall, it has been a success story for AMG since the moment they carved their way into the sport, particularly as an F1 team.

So, how much more success can this performance-based brand write off? Will AMG succeed enough to discard Mercedes and turn up as a fully-functioning F1 team?

Also Read: Mercedes Unveil Their Striking Black & Silver W12 Challenger For 2021 F1 Season