First take a look at W17 on observe as Mercedes debuts 2026 F1 automotive

Mercedes have offered the primary photos of their 2026 F1 automotive on observe.

The Brackley-based F1 squad revealed the design and livery of their much-anticipated W17 challenger on Friday morning, earlier than conducting an preliminary shake down run at a soaked Silverstone.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took turns behind the wheel as they racked up 67 laps and practically 200km of mileage as a part of a filming day.

“We have now had a smart first day of operating with the W17 at Silverstone,” Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin stated.

“As with all shakedown, the main focus is on guaranteeing all the things operates safely and reliably. We have been in a position to get by means of our allotted mileage, with each George and Kimi attending to expertise the 2026 automotive on observe for the primary time.

“That’s testomony to the exhausting work of everybody at Brackley and Brixworth. Our consideration now turns to Barcelona the place we are going to look to construct on in the present day’s operating and add to our understanding of the W17.”

Following Audi, Cadillac, Racing Bulls and Alpine, Mercedes are the fifth F1 staff to run their 2026 automotive on observe.

Mercedes now head to Spain for F1’s collective shakedown on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between 26-30 January.

They’ll then host a public season launch occasion on 2 February earlier than the 2 official pre-season assessments in Bahrain forward of the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March.

Mercedes ended 2025 second within the constructors’ championship behind world champions McLaren.

It’s believed Mercedes have discovered a loophole within the guidelines that permits them to run their engine at a better compression ratio that permitted.

Rivals concern this might hand Mercedes, and their buyer groups, a key benefit at the beginning of F1’s new period.