Mercedes W17
The Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance, commonly known as the Mercedes W17, is a Formula One racing car designed and built by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team to compete in the 2026 Formula One World Championship. It will be driven by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in their fifth and second seasons with the team, respectively.
Development and design
James Allison, Technical Director, oversaw the development of the W17. The car was designed with the regulations in mind, so the W17 is significantly lighter, narrower, and smaller than the 2025 W16. The vehicle has a narrower width and a shorter wheelbase. Replacing the drag reduction system, the W17 uses movable front and rear wings. This system is dubbed "active aerodynamics" by the FIA, and consists of two modes that help the car achieve higher downforce for corners, and lower drag for straights. The car uses a pushrod front suspension system.
The Mercedes-AMG HPP 2026 1.6-litre V6 power unit powers the W17. The MGU-H was removed for 2026,. Title sponsor Petronas continues to supply sustainable fuels to the team.
Controversy revolving around engine compression
Prior to pre-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Mercedes had allegedly discovered a possible loophole revolving around their engine's compression ratios, which were measured at room temperature.
Livery
The livery was released online on 22 January 2026 and appeared similar to the previous W16, though with a new stylised pattern on the sidepods that appear identical to the road car division's AMG One hypercar