Mercedes broke covers on Thrusday, revealing its 2026 W17 challenger eye-catching livery ahead of its on-track debut with a shakedown at Silverstone.
The Silver Arrows are heading into a new era in Formula 1 on board the team’s 2026 challenger, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE, revealed on Thrusday.
Subtle green, sleek lines flow across the car, unveiling a transitioning path from Mercedes’ distinctive silver fusion to its deep black color.
The W17 design embodies the need for speed and reliability, key elements in forging a Silver Arrow into an unprecedented technical journey in the sport, one that the team’s heritage embraces, reflected in the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover.
The search to master performance began a long time ago in the factory, but today, the team gave a clinical step, taking to the track for the first time with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at the wheel.
The W17 completed 67 laps of the 2.979 km International Circuit, combining for just short of 200 km of total mileage as part of a filming day.
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, commented: “We have had a sensible first day of running with the W17 at Silverstone. As with any shakedown, the focus is on ensuring everything operates safely and reliably.
“We were able to get through our allotted mileage, with both George and Kimi getting to experience the 2026 car on track for the first time. That is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. Our attention now turns to Barcelona, where we will look to build on today’s running and add to our understanding of the W17.”
The shakedown comes ahead of pre-season running, starting with a private five-day event held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya by the end of January.
All 11 Formula 1 teams are allowed to run over three of those five days, having the flexibility to choose the schedule that better suits each team.
New Technical Regulations to Challenge the 2026 F1 Grid
“Formula One will undergo a significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance,” outlined Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG Team Principal & CEO.
“Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach.”
Aiming for a more sustainable and competitive era in motorsport, from 2026, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) will introduce new technical regulations, impacting every aspect of a Formula One car design.
The cars will be smaller, 30 kilograms lighter, and narrower, featuring a new chassis, power unit, and fuel regulations, the biggest technical change in the sport in over a decade.
Taking center stage is the aerodynamic package, bringing movable front and rear wings, replacing the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
“It’s going to be quite different, especially in racing rather than in quali,” explained Mercedes Deputy Technical Director, Simone Resta.
“We are all used to a certain format with the DRS that helps with overtaking and is used in defined areas and with certain gaps, but next year, every driver will be running moveable front and rear wings together, at many points in the lap, and they will be using the energy to help overtaking.
“It’s going to be different and potentially much more unpredictable in the way that the drivers will use the energy to overtake.”
Primarily designed to help conserve energy by reducing drag on straights, the new active aerodynamics is pivotal for efficient energy use with the engines.
The power unit electric share will be increased by up to 50 percent, using 100 percent of advanced, sustainable synthetic fuel and a high-performance battery capable of handling high and swift power output as the energy management technology.
Pre-season testing will resume in February with two different three-day sessions, both staged at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
The 2026 season will kickstart early in March with the Australian Grand Prix, the first round of the 24-race Formula One World Championship calendar.