Mercedes AMG are always a delight to watch during the pre-season testings of each year, as they never fail to bring about some exciting new concepts or technologies onto their challengers. Similarly, this year, the big brains from the Brackley outfit have managed to leave the entire Formula One paddock in awe.

Of course, Mercedes kept their game low-key during the first pre-season testing in Barcelona, offering no noticeable designs on the car. But, only a couple of weeks later in Bahrain, Mercedes have rolled out an entirely different-looking W13 with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.

There seem to be no side pods on the car or at least they’ve minimized the design as compared to the ones that showed up at Circuit de Catalunya. And it seems to be a win for the Silver Arrows as they’ve managed to gain the attention of the rival team’s boss, Christian Horner.

The Briton, during day 1 of testing in Bahrain, opined that the engineering team of the Milton Keynes outfit will definitely have a look at Mercedes’ work with the side pods.

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Horner comments on the latest Mercedes F1 design

According to reports, Horner admitted that Mercedes’ latest side-pod design is rather unique and attractive, as he looks to work with the aero team to bring about the advantages of it.

“It’s a fairly different concept. That’s for the aero guys and engineers to get into,” he said according to F1 reporter Jennie Gow. “Let the guys understand it and digest it…”

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Many have been hailing the side pods on Mercedes including Sky commentator and former F1 driver, Karun Chandhok. The Indian wrote on Twitter, “Incredible design and engineering!!”

Similarly, F1 analyst of F1 DAZN, Albert Fabrega, too looked quite flustered by the latest Mercedes tweaks. He wrote, “The no sidepods of Mercedes. Whaaat?????”

Overall, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Red Bull have already started decoding the newly designed W13 and seeking ways to reiterate them on their own RB-18. So, will we get to see a side pod-less Red Bull challenger during the opening race weekend of the 2022 season in Bahrain?

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