Mercedes 2026 Challenger Revealed

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has today (22 January) unveiled the first images of its 2026 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. It marks the latest step in the team’s journey towards the next generation of F1.
 
The 2026 season sees the biggest technical shake up in the sport’s history, with all-new chassis, Power Unit, and fuel regulations. The W17 is therefore smaller, narrower, and lighter than its predecessor. It features active aerodynamics with moveable front and rear-wings, an engine that produces close to a 50/50 split between electric and combustion power, and runs on advanced sustainable fuels developed by the team’s Title and Technical Partner, PETRONAS.
 
The W17 also features a striking new livery which marks a bold expression of identity and evolution. A dynamic PETRONAS green flow line anchors the design, sweeping low across the car to emphasize speed and precision while harmonising the transition from iconic Mercedes silver to the team’s deep black. The top of the sidepods feature the AMG-specific inspired rhombus signature, complimenting the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover.
 
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, said: “Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach.
 
“Releasing the first images of the W17 is simply the next step in that process. It represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in Brixworth and Brackley. We will continue to push hard in the months ahead.”

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Written by

Jarrod Partridge

Jarrod Partridge is the Co-Founder of F1 Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following Formula 1. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered F1 races at circuits around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, driver profile, and technical analysis he writes.

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