Mercedes Unveils W17: A Closer Look at the Team's 2026 Formula 1 Car
Mercedes has unveiled its new Formula 1 car for the 2026 season, the W17, which complies with the sport's updated technical regulations. The car features a familiar black and silver livery with turquoise accents, paying homage to sponsor Petronas. A new addition to the livery is the Microsoft logo on the airbox, following a partnership with Alpine. The W17 will be driven by George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who finished fourth and seventh in the previous season's drivers' championship, respectively.
In the 2025 season, Mercedes secured the runner-up spot in the constructors' championship, narrowly fending off Red Bull. However, they were unable to challenge the dominant McLaren team for the title. The W17 is set to make its track debut at the first pre-season test in Barcelona from 26-30 January.
Overall, Mercedes' new W17 car showcases a blend of continuity with its livery design and technical updates to meet the evolving regulations in Formula 1. Fans can look forward to seeing how the team performs with their new car in the upcoming season.