Mercedes revealed images of their 2026 Formula 1, the W17, on Thursday with the hope of taking them back to the top, Afrosport reports.
The German team will start testing in Barcelona next week and will provide power units to McLaren, Williams and Renault-owned Alpine for the upcoming 2026 season.
The team will then hold an online launch event on February 2 with two more tests in Bahrain before the season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
There has been widespread speculation that Mercedes have found a loophole in the new engine regulations that could put them ahead of rivals Ferrari and Red Bull.
They finished second to champions McLaren last season with George Russell taking two wins and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli finished on the podium three times.
First look at our W17 on track 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Tua4Xl39iF
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 22, 2026
The eight-time constructor champions also announced a new major sponsorship deal with American technology giant Microsoft, with branding appearing on the sides of the airbox and front wing. The sponsorship is worth a reported $60 million.
In another announcement, winner of last year’s F1 Academy, Doriane Pin, will step into a development role with for team this season. She will work in the simulator along with other duties at the factory, and will attend several grands prix trackside.
