Mercedes 2026 F1 Car: First Look & Design Reveal

The German team’s new car, called W17 (for the 17th season since the brand’s return to F1 in 2010), still displays its silver color, combined with black and a touch of turquoise in homage to its title sponsor, the Malaysian oil company Petronas.

The gray is, however, much lighter this season, probably to stand out from its German competitor Audi, which unveiled a dark gray livery on Tuesday for the first single-seater in its history to be scrapped in F1.

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The emblematic Mercedes stars are displayed on the engine hood of the W17, which is considered one of the favorites for the title in this season of technological upheaval.

The 2026 single-seaters will indeed evolve significantly compared to those of recent years because they will have to meet new technical regulations which will make them smaller and lighter. The engine, already hybrid since 2014, will also change with an increase in the contribution of electrical energy and the use of so-called fuels. «100% durables».

“Formula 1 will see significant changes in 2026 and we are ready for this transition. The new regulations require innovation and total involvement in all areas related to performance. Our work on the new single-seater and the development of our engine reflect this approach.declared Toto Wolff, the boss of the Mercedes team, in a press release.

Like the ten other F1 teams, this new car, which will again be driven this season by the Briton George Russell and the young Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli, will make its track debut next week during closed-door testing on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.