Mercedes Officially Launches the 2026 Formula 1 Car – the W17

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team has taken its first formal step toward the 2026 Formula 1 season by officially launching its new challenger, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE, in a digital event held on 2 February 2026.

Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff framed this moment as a defining point for both the team and the sport, saying that the new regulations will test every part of the organization while creating “significant opportunities to innovate and set new performance benchmarks.”

All-New Power Unit and Sustainable Fuel

At the heart of the W17 project is a brand-new hybrid power unit developed by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains to meet the 2026 technical regulations. This engine architecture features:
• A near 50:50 balance between internal combustion and electrical output.
• The removal of the MGU-H component.
• A significant increase in MGU-K power, rising from 120 kW to 350 kW.
• Integration with advanced sustainable fuels developed with PETRONAS, designed to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions without sacrificing performance.

Mercedes emphasized that the new power unit architecture has been closely integrated with the W17’s cooling and aerodynamic systems to ensure strong thermal robustness and energy efficiency across a lap.

Chassis and Aerodynamics Redesigned

The W17 is built around the major chassis and aerodynamic rule changes introduced for 2026. Highlights include:
• A shorter wheelbase (200 mm less) and narrower width (100 mm less) compared with the previous generation.
• A minimum weight reduction of around 30 kg.
• The replacement of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) with active aerodynamics, featuring movable front and rear wings to manage drag and downforce more dynamically.
• Narrower tires and revised suspension kinematics to reduce drag and support the aero reset.
• New energy deployment strategies like “Boost” and “Overtake.”

Technical Director James Allison described the new regulations as a complete transformation of nearly all aspects of the car’s design.

Driver Line-Up and Team Continuity

Mercedes confirmed that the race driver pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue for the 2026 season. Russell enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with two victories, and Antonelli followed up an impressive rookie year with multiple podiums.

Fred Vesti was announced as the team’s Third Driver, combining simulator work and race weekend support duties with his commitments in other championships.

A Fresh Identity for a New Era

Alongside the technical launch, Mercedes revealed a refreshed visual identity and livery for the W17, featuring a flowing PETRONAS green graphic that transitions between the team’s traditional silver and deep black colors. This design signals both continuity and evolution as the team enters a new era of Formula 1 competition.