Mercedes have unveiled the livery for their 2026 F1 challenger, the W17. The car features its traditional colours of recent years. As the first on-track glimpse of the new regulations draw near, Mercedes roll out a new look for their challenger, signalling a fresh chapter for the team. The reveals follows the team’s introduction of a new logo over the winter break ahead of the new season.
With the 2026 F1 season offering a fresh start for the grid, Mercedes will be aiming to return to the dominant form they once enjoyed before the 2022 ground-effect regulations saw the Brackley-based team struggle.
A rather positive 2025 campaign
In 2025, Mercedes bounced back to finish 2nd in the Constructors’ Standings, following a 4th-place finish in 2024. The departure of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton saw 19 year-old Kimi Antonelli step up to the challenge, alongside George Russell. The Brackley-based team finished 2nd in the Constructors’ Championship with 469 points, securing two wins and ten podiums over the season.
For Antonelli, 2025 was a year of learning and adaptation, highlighted by the standout moments like securing sprint pole in Miami and claiming his maiden F1 podium in Montreal. However, the young Italian also faced challenges. A mid-season run of consecutive DNFs saw a major dip in performance that left the 19 year-old feeling momentarily defeated. Nonetheless, he ended the year with three podiums and 7th in the Drivers’ Standings with 150 points — a campaign that showcased strong potential in F1.
Meanwhile, for Russell who took on the role of team leader this year, used his experience to guide Mercedes throughout the season. The Briton impressed with consistency, only missing out on points in a main race once. He claimed well-deserved victories in Montreal and Singapore, and added seven more podiums to his existing tally. Russell’s 2025 campaign truly showcased his growth and maturity both on and off-track.
As Russell and Antonelli pair up again for 2026, Mercedes will be hoping to carry this positive momentum into 2026.
Anticipation continues to build around Mercedes’ new power-unit
The off-season buzz has largely centred around manufacturers and their power-units, with Mercedes and Red Bull at the heart of the conversation. A discovered loophole in the regulations had their competitors ruffled, and speculation has been rife about how Mercedes will fare under the new regulations. As it stands, Mercedes’ power-unit remains to be seen as one to watch in 2026.
While the FIA continues to tighten the rules, challenges remain as the 2026 F1 season promises plenty of unknowns.
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, said:
“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.
“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.”
