Mercedes has officially confirmed when fans will get their first look at their 2026 Formula 1 car, the W17.
The Silver Arrows have announced that the first glimpse of their new challenger will be revealed on January 22nd.
The team will unveil the official renders across its social media platforms. While not the official launch, it will offer insight into Mercedes’ interpretation of F1’s new groundbreaking regulations.
Following this, Mercedes will join the other 10 F1 teams at a private pre-season test in Barcelona, taking place in the last week of January.
This will mark the first on-track test for all teams’ brand-new challengers. Early running will allow teams to gather crucial data to refine their car ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.
Then on February 2nd, Mercedes will officially launch their 2026 challenger to the world, as rumours it has nailed its power unit continue to circulate.
The online event will showcase the completed car and provide deeper insight into its development, with senior figures explaining the concepts of Mercedes’ approach to a new era of F1.
Mercedes will stream the season launch across its social media channels, with Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff joined by drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the event.
With all-new chassis, power unit and fuel rules coming into effect, members of the British team will outline the key developments shaping the W17.
The team will explain how it has approached the new regulationsm, emphasising how it has responded to one of the largest regulation shake-ups in F1 history.
Mercedes enters the 2026 F1 season determined to return to title-contending form after failing to secure a championship during the ground-effect era.
They will start their championship charge at the Australian Grand Prix in early March.
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