F1 Rumours: Mercedes W14 Has Issues During First On-Track Shakedown On Day Of Release

According to certain reputable Twitter accounts, the new Mercedes W14 has had issues during its first shakedown at Silverstone. The car, revealed only today, apparently suffered from engine issues while driver George Russell was behind the wheel.

This is what the tweet from Virutas de Goma, who was at the circuit when the car was being tested, said the following (translated from Spanish by Google):

"The premiere of the Mercedes W14 has not been the dream. After the presentation they have put it to roll in the Silverstone and it has given engine problems. They have sent the unit in for repair. It had ignition problems, misfiring and misfiring. They knew what was going to happen to them. They fear a repeat."

"The words used by the person who told me and was in the circuit is 'suffering misfire'"

Las palabras usadas por la persona que me lo ha contado y estaba en el circuito es “suffering misfire”
— Virutas de Goma™ (@VirutasF1) February 15, 2023

He continued:

"Some more info. The problem is solvable, it is not serious and it was due to an error in mounting the engine on the chassis. Tomorrow they will return to the track for the filming day; today has been a shakedown. It has been a problem that falls within the possible. Does not affect Aston Martin."

Algo más de info. El problema es solventable, no es grave y ha sido debido a un error en el montaje del motor en el chasis. Mañana volverán a pista para el filming day; lo de hoy ha sido un shakedown. Ha sido un problema que entra dentro de lo posible. No afecta a Aston Martin https://t.co/gGQmUvXjJ7
— Virutas de Goma™ (@VirutasF1) February 15, 2023

According to this rumour, the engine has been sent for repairs and will be ready for its filming day.

We'll hopefully have more information as we explore this rumour further today.

Russell has already talked to the press following the shakedown, but didn't mention anything regarding any issues:

"It’s been a pretty good winter, we’re in a pretty strong place, and probably mentally I feel I’m in a strong as place as I've ever been.

"I’m in a happy place, I feel good within myself and I feel like I took the necessary time off but equally the necessary time working with the team.

"So far so good, everything ran very smoothly [in the shakedown] and it’s just great to get behind the wheel and see the car in the flesh."