A New Era for Mercedes F1: The 2026 W17 Makes Its Official Debut
The Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team has officially unveiled the livery of its 2026 challenger, the W17. Designed in line with the new Formula 1 regulations, the W17 represents a fresh chapter for the team while staying true to Mercedes’ iconic visual identity.
Both the chassis and power unit of the W17 have been developed from the ground up to comply with the 2026 F1 technical regulations. Despite these major changes under the skin, Mercedes has retained its signature look, featuring a black and silver color scheme, complemented by turquoise accents that pay tribute to title sponsor Petronas.
One of the most eye-catching updates on the W17 is the Microsoft logo placed on the airbox. With this move, Mercedes has secured a partnership with the technology giant, which had previously worked closely with Alpine for many years. The collaboration is expected to enhance not only on-track performance but also data processing, simulation, and software development behind the scenes.
For the 2026 season, the W17 will be driven by George Russell and rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Russell finished fourth in the drivers’ standings last season, while Antonelli impressed in his first full Formula 1 campaign, ending the 2025 season in seventh place. Together, they form a blend of experience and youthful talent that Mercedes hopes will deliver strong results.
Mercedes concluded the 2025 campaign second in the constructors’ championship, managing to beat Red Bull but falling short against a dominant McLaren outfit that controlled much of the season. With the introduction of the W17, the team aims to close that gap and return to championship contention.
The W17 is set to make its on-track debut during the first official pre-season test in Barcelona, scheduled for January 26–30. These sessions will provide the first real indication of how competitive Mercedes’ new car will be under the radically revised 2026 regulations.
