Mercedes reveals new-look F1 design for 2026

Mercedes has lifted the covers off the W17, its new Formula 1 car for the 2026 season.

The new machinery meets F1’s new technical regulations on the chassis and engine sides, featuring active aerodynamics and a near-50:50 split between combustion and electric energy.

The W17 sports a mostly unchanged black and silver design, with turquoise accents as a nod to everlasting sponsor Petronas.

A notable addition to the livery is the Microsoft logo on the airbox and the front wing endplates, with Mercedes snapping up Alpine’s longtime partner.

“Formula 1 will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition,” team principal Toto Wolff said. “The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the power unit and advanced sustainable fuels with Petronas, reflects that approach.

"Releasing the first images of the W17 is simply the next step in that process. It represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in Brixworth and Brackley. We will continue to push hard in the months ahead.”

Mercedes W17 livery

Photo by: Mercedes AMG

Like its predecessor, the new Silver Arrow will be raced by lead driver George Russell and sophomore Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who finished fourth and seventh in last year’s drivers’ championship.

Mercedes took the runner-up spot in the constructors’, narrowly holding off Red Bull, but was never a real title contender against a dominant McLaren outfit.

The W17 will take to the track at the first pre-season test at Barcelona from 26-30 January, ahead of the team’s season launch event on 2 February.