Mercedes has unveiled their new livery ahead of a planned shakedown of their 2020 car at Silverstone on Friday.

In an event commemorating their new partnership with INEOS at the Royal Automobile Club in London, the six-time defending Formula 1 champions took the covers off a modified W10 to reveal a changed design incorporating a red roll hoop for the partnership and also as a tribute to former non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, who passed away last May.

During a wide-ranging press conference before the big reveal, team boss Toto Wolff reiterated Mercedes' desire to stay in F1 post-2020, as negotiations over a new Concorde Agreement continue, and with the length of this INEOS partnership understood to be five years, it is certainly a vote of confidence in the German manufacturer.

It is interesting to note, however, that billionaire owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also has history in buying race-winning teams, having taken over the Tour de France winning Team Sky cycling outfit. Of course, any suggestion of a similar situation with Mercedes is simply speculation.

INEOS has joined as a principal partner of the Brackley-based team, on a similar level to title sponsor Petronas, and will collaborate with Mercedes' new Applied Science division.

The livery launch was the main attraction of the day though and fans will now be even more eager for the date with the new W11 on Valentines Day this Friday.