Mercedes have shared the first details of their new Formula 1 car, the W17, as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is hoping to build on last year, when they fought back strongly to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.

The Silver Arrows will keep the same driver line-up this year. George Russell stays with the team, and he will be joined by Kimi Antonelli, one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport. Mercedes believe stability with their drivers will help them move forward.

The W17 has been designed under major new Formula 1 rules. Like other cars on the grid, it is smaller, narrower, and lighter than last year’s model. These changes are part of Formula 1’s plan to improve racing and efficiency.

Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff said the sport is entering an important new phase. He explained that the 2026 regulations require fresh ideas, careful planning, and total focus from everyone involved.

Mercedes have been working hard not only on the car itself, but also on the power unit and advanced sustainable fuels, developed together with long-time partner Petronas. This work is shared between the team’s factories in Brackley, where the chassis is built, and Brixworth, home of Mercedes’ power unit division.

Mercedes will join the other Formula 1 teams in Barcelona next week for a shakedown, where cars complete early running. After that, the team will hold an official season launch event on February 2 with their drivers.

Mercedes hope that the W17 will help them take another step back towards the front of Formula 1.