WATCH: The best bits from the Mercedes 2021 launch as Hamilton and Bottas reveal the W12

Reigning champions Mercedes launched their Formula 1 challenger in a virtual event on Tuesday as Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Team Principal Toto Wolff introduced the car built with the aim of clinching an eighth constructors' championship for the Silver Arrows.

The handsome new W12 sports a hint of silver, a dab of red and a swathe of black but there's much more under the surface of the machine that could propel Hamilton to a record eighth World Championship - or perhaps Bottas to a maiden one.

RAPID REACTION: Mercedes show off new W12 car – but what are they hiding, and why?

The two drivers spoke to Channel 4's F1 host Steve Jones about their aspirations and preparations for the season ahead after Mercedes F1 boss Wolff introduced the new car. The charismatic chief spoke about the season ahead, his recent bout of Covid and more, while technical director James Allison explained just why Mercedes were hiding a crucial bit of their W12 from the public...

Watch the highlights from Mercedes' launch in the player above.

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