Mercedes breakthrough in Baku: George Russell podium with eco-friendly technology. Mercedes introduced a new sustainable carbon composite at the Baku GP.

Mercedes and Russell on the podium with an innovation everyone can copy

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked a historic step for Mercedes, as the team brought to the track for the first time a high-performance component built with sustainable materials on George Russell’s W16. The car debuted with new rear brake shrouds, manufactured from a carbon-fiber composite that uses a bio-based resin, 30% of which comes from renewable sources.

This was the first time that an aerodynamic and structural component, exposed to extreme stress, had been produced with this new technology. It proved that sustainability and performance can coexist at the highest levels of motorsport. Despite the complex surfaces of the brake shrouds and their exposure to extreme temperatures, the parts passed the race test successfully. They were installed on car #63, driven by George Russell, who crossed the line in second place in Baku.

Behind George Russell’s podium lies a new Mercedes technology

“In an era where innovation drives performance and shapes the future of industries, the challenge is to develop smarter, faster and more efficient technologies. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainability, but also shows how Formula 1 can serve as an open-air laboratory for innovations that will benefit many sectors. Ours is the fastest technology training ground in the world, and these solutions represent our willingness to contribute beyond the racetrack,” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

The introduction of bio-based materials represents a concrete step toward achieving Net Zero by 2040. This breakthrough was made possible through collaboration with Syensqo, the team’s technology partner. It paves the way for a broader adoption of sustainable materials not only in Formula 1, but also in the wider automotive industry and beyond.

Therefore, the debut in Baku was not only a sporting success, but also a clear signal: Mercedes is determined to redefine the concept of performance by combining speed with sustainability.