Mercedes has provided a first look at the W17, the 2026 challenger that many believe could return the Silver Arrows to the front of the grid.
The introduction of new chassis and power unit regulations for the 2026 season is widely considered to be the biggest change in the sport’s history, giving Mercedes a chance to shake off four years of disappointing performance.
After winning eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021 after the introduction of hybrid engines, the Silver Arrows struggled to understand the aerodynamic challenges of the ‘ground effect’ era and failed to challenge for the title from 2022 to 2025.
Brand new power units have arrived in the sport for the first time since Mercedes took full control in 2014, and the German brand’s prowess in engine development has them installed as early favorites to spearhead the new generation.
The main beneficiary of such a scenario would be Britain’s George Russell. He has had some very impressive results since joining the team in 2022, despite not being offered a consistently fast car.
The 27-year-old is gearing up for his first title challenge, forming a driver line-up similar to Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, who finished 2025 on a high note despite some uncertainties midway through his rookie season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “Formula 1 will undergo major changes in 2026 and we are ready for the transition. The new regulations require innovation and absolute focus across all areas of performance.”
Britain’s George Russell will drive alongside Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli for second season
“Our work on new vehicles and the long-term development of power units and advanced sustainable fuels with Petronas reflects that approach.
“The publication of the first images of W17 is simply the next step in that process. It represents a joint and sustained effort from the Brixworth and Brackley teams. We will continue to work hard over the coming months.”
The team mostly stuck with the silver and black look of the 2025 W16 model, but paid homage to title sponsor Petronas with green streamlines across the car. Perhaps the most eye-catching change to the livery is the addition of a black stripe to the top of the sidepods.
Sponsors featured on the livery include technology giant Microsoft, with Mercedes announcing a major new deal with the company ahead of Thursday morning’s announcement, underscoring the health of the team and the sport as a whole.
When does F1 pre-season testing take place?
With the introduction of new regulations, a strong schedule of three separate test events is planned before the start of the 2026 season.
The first test will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26th to 30th, followed by two more tests in Bahrain from February 11th to 13th and 18th to 20th.
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Highlights from F1 testing at Barcelona Shakedown will be streamed live every night from Monday 26th January to Friday 30th January from 7pm on Sky Sports F1 YouTube and 9pm on Sky Sports F1 Channel.
When was your first F1 race?
The team will then have two weeks to prepare for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6th to 8th.
The first practice session of the season will take place on Friday, March 6th, followed by qualifying on Saturday, March 7th and the opening race on Sunday, March 8th.
Sky Sports F1 lets you watch all 24 race weekends of the 2026 F1 season live. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
