Image: from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team X@MercedesAMGF1
By Open Chronicle News Desk
BRACKLEY, UK — The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has officially pulled the curtains back on the first images of its 2026 challenger, the W17 E Performance. The reveal marks a pivotal moment for the Silver Arrows as Formula 1 enters a transformative era defined by radical technical overhauls and a shift toward fully sustainable fuels.
The W17 is a product of the most significant regulatory reset in the sport’s history. Under the 2026 guidelines, the car is notably smaller, narrower, and lighter than its predecessors. Key technical features include active aerodynamics, with moveable front and rear wings, and a next-generation power unit that balances internal combustion and electric power in a nearly 50/50 split.
The new era starts here. Introducing our W17 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/ld0Zu6vjTv
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 22, 2026
Visually, the W17 introduces a striking evolution of the team’s iconic identity. The livery blends the classic Mercedes silver with a deep black, anchored by a dynamic “Petronas Green” flow line that sweeps across the bodywork to emphasize speed. A new addition for 2026 is the “AMG-specific inspired rhombus signature” on the upper sidepods, alongside the prominent three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover.
Coinciding with the car’s debut, Mercedes announced a major strategic sponsorship deal with tech giant Microsoft. The company’s branding now appears on the sidepods and front wing, underscoring the team’s commitment to digital innovation and data-driven performance.
“Formula 1 will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition,” said Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff. “The W17 represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in Brixworth and Brackley. We are pushing the boundaries of innovation across every area of performance.”
The team will maintain stability in its driver lineup, with George Russell and young talent Kimi Antonelli returning for their second season as teammates. Following the digital reveal, the W17 completed its initial shakedown at Silverstone. The team is now shifting its focus to the five-day Barcelona test session starting next week, followed by a formal digital season launch on February 2.