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LONDON. — Mercedes have launched the W08, the car with which they will defend their constructors’ championship crown in 2017.

The new car was showcased for the first time in a live event at Silverstone, conducted by 360-video across social media with team boss Toto Wolff and drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in attendance.

Prior to the showcase, Hamilton had taken the W08 for a “shake-down” run around the circuit, despite the damp weather.Most notable about the car on first glance was its lack of the ‘shark-fin’ engine cover and ‘stub’ nosecone favoured by rival teams so far.

New driver Bottas, who has arrived in the stead of departed champion Nico Rosberg, was unworried by the car’s distinctive shape. — Daily Telegraph.