Mercedes has shared the first images of its 2026 F1 car, the W17, ahead of its official launch event on February 2. Alongside the renders, the team has also released footage from the W17’s first shakedown, where drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli completed 67 laps combined at Silverstone.
- Russell, Antonelli to continue with Mercedes
- 2026 F1 season starts with the Australian GP on March 6-8
Mercedes W17 design details
Mercedes 2026 F1 race car gets new striped livery
2026 introduces a complete overhaul of the F1 regulations, with smaller and lighter cars, a new power unit with a near 50-50 split between combustion and electric power, active aerodynamics, and more. Paddock rumours tip Mercedes as an early favourite, largely due to the work done on its new power unit.
While the W17 retains Mercedes’ traditional silver, black and turquoise colours, it now sports a new striped design on the sidepods. The renders also reveal some key design details, including pushrod front suspension and a three-element front wing. However, these are just early interpretations of the new rules, and fans can expect plenty of changes once testing gets underway officially.
“Formula 1 will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car and the long-term development of the power unit and advanced sustainable fuels with Petronas reflect that approach,” said Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team principal and CEO Toto Wolff.
“Releasing the first images of the W17 is simply the next step in that process. It represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in Brixworth and Brackley. We will continue to push hard in the months ahead.”
The W17 has already completed its first shakedown and will now head to Barcelona for the five-day private test, starting from January 26. This will be followed by two more test sessions at Bahrain in February, before the season gets underway with the Australian GP on March 6-8.
