F1 news: Mercedes unveils striking W17 ahead of 2026 season

Mercedes became the latest Formula 1 team to share their look for the new season, unveiling the striking W17 with a series of images released on Thursday.

The technical elements are in line with the incoming set of regulations, geared towards making the cars smaller, lighter, and more agile. The front and rear wings are smaller and the car is narrower overall, particularly when compared with previous season.

From a livery standpoint, the design is a departure from what we have seen from Mercedes in previous years. A green line — a nod to title partner Petronas — anchors the car from the nose to the rear, drawing attention to a “transition” from silver to black as the eye trails along the W17. The iconic Mercedes three-pointed star dots the engine cover, while the sidepods contain a stunning array of silver lines.

“Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. 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,” said Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
 
“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.”

Up next for Mercedes — and the rest of the grid — is next week’s Barcelona Shakedown, where the teams will put their 2026 challengers through a private testing session. Two more testing sessions in Bahrain will follow next month.

The Silver Arrows will also officially unveil the W17 at a season launch event on February 2.