Mercedes W17

Last updated
Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance
Category Formula One
Designers
Predecessor Mercedes W16
Technical specifications
Suspension (front)Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod-activated springs and dampers
Suspension (rear)Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod-activated springs and dampers
Width1,900 mm (75 in)
Height950 mm (37.4 in)
Wheelbase 3,400 mm (133.9 in)
Engine Mercedes-AMG
Transmission Mercedes 8-speed hydraulic actuated semi automatic sequential gearbox, + 1 reverse gear
Weight770 kg (including driver, coolant and oil)
Fuel Petronas Primax
Lubricants Petronas Syntium
Tyres
Competition history
Notable entrants Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
Notable drivers
RacesWins Podiums Poles F/Laps
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The Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance, commonly known as the Mercedes W17, [1] 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.

Contents

Development and design

James Allison, Technical Director, [2] oversaw the development of the W17. The car was designed with the 2026 regulations in mind, so the W17 is significantly lighter, narrower, and smaller than the 2025 W16. [3] The vehicle has a narrower width (1,900 mm) and a shorter wheelbase (3,400 mm). [4] [5] Replacing the drag reduction system, the W17 uses movable front and rear wings. This system is dubbed "active aerodynamics" by the FIA, [6] and consists of two modes that help the car achieve higher downforce for corners, [7] and lower drag for straights. [6] The car uses a pushrod front suspension system. [6]

Power unit and fuel

The Mercedes-AMG HPP 2026 1.6-litre V6 [8] power unit powers the W17. [9] The MGU-H was removed for 2026, [4] . Title sponsor Petronas continues to supply sustainable fuels to the team. [9]

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. [10] [11]

Livery

The livery was released online [12] on 22 January 2026 [13] 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 [12]

References

  1. ↑ Mee, Lydia (5 January 2026). "Mercedes announces W17 livery reveal date and 2026 F1 season launch event". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  2. ↑ "Have Mercedes pioneered a left-field solution with the W17?". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  3. ↑ "FIA unveils the new F1 terminology you need to know for the 2026 season". www.motorsport.com. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  4. 1 2 GODonnell@dolphins.com (2026-01-26). "Formula 1's Biggest Regulation Overhaul in 2026". Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  5. ↑ "FIA unveils the new F1 terminology you need to know for the 2026 season". www.motorsport.com. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  6. 1 2 3 Scarborough, Craig (2026-01-21). "F1 2026 aero regulations in focus part 2 – Sidepods, diffuser and rear wing". Motorsport Technology. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  7. ↑ "All you need to know about F1's new power units". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  8. ↑ "F1 2026 Power Units: Hybrid Split and Sustainable Fuel". Top Racing Shop. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  9. 1 2 "Facts and Stats: Power Unit Regulation Changes". Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  10. ↑ "FIA keen to "resolve" engine loophole controversy before F1 2026 start". www.motorsport.com. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  11. ↑ "Audi issue fresh FIA plea over alleged engine trick". RacingNews365. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  12. 1 2 "Mercedes reveals new-look F1 car for 2026". www.motorsport.com. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  13. ↑ "Mercedes run new car at Silverstone, announce Microsoft deal". RNZ. 2026-01-23. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
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