Mercedes Unveils 2026 F1 Car: Radical Redesign

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has initiated its 2026 season campaign with the digital reveal of the Mercedes AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. This launch underscores substantial upcoming changes driven by new technical regulations that are set to redefine Formula 1. The team approached the W17's development with a comprehensive redesign of its power unit, chassis, aerodynamics, and operational strategies.

The W17 project centers on a novel hybrid power unit, engineered by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to comply with the 2026 regulations. This unit achieves an approximate 50:50 equilibrium between combustion and electric power. It eliminates the MGU-H and significantly increases MGU-K power to 350 kW, necessitating innovative methods for energy management.

Furthermore, the car's cooling systems and aerodynamic elements were developed concurrently with the power unit to ensure peak efficiency and durability across all racing conditions. The W17 is built to new chassis regulations, which mandate a 200 mm shorter wheelbase, a 100 mm reduction in width, and a decrease in minimum weight by about 30 kg.

Active aerodynamics, featuring adjustable front and rear wings, will optimize the balance between drag and downforce on both straights and in corners. Slimmer tires are introduced to reduce drag and mass. The removal of DRS is compensated by enhanced energy deployment modes, named Boost and Overtake, aiming to maintain competitive racing.

For the 2026 season, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue as the team's race drivers. Fred Vesti is promoted to Third Driver, contributing to simulator duties and race weekend support alongside his IMSA commitments. This lineup follows a strong 2025 season where Russell secured victories and Antonelli achieved podiums.