On February 2, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team officially launched its 2026 campaign through a digital event, unveiling the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. This reveal marked a significant milestone as the team prepared to face the radical technical shifts governing next-generation Formula 1 racing. The new car and insights from team leaders and drivers introduced fans to the team’s vision for success amid the evolving sport landscape.
Innovations in Powertrain and Sustainable Fuel Technologies
Central to the W17 is a completely redesigned hybrid Power Unit engineered by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain (HPP) to meet the fresh 2026 regulations. This Power Unit delivers an almost equal split of power between internal combustion and electric systems, reflecting a notable step-change in hybrid components. Notably, the MGU-H system has been removed, while the MGU-K’s power output has surged from 120 kW to 350 kW, incorporating advanced methods for energy recovery and deployment.
The Power Unit is paired with an innovative cooling and aerodynamic integration developed jointly by Mercedes’ Brackley and Brixworth facilities, prioritizing thermal efficiency and maximizing energy use during all racing phases, from intense braking zones to extended full-throttle sections. This holistic approach is a key factor in the team’s readiness for the new competitive environment.
Hywel Thomas, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP, described the 2026 season as unprecedented:
“The 2026 Formula One season marks an entirely new chapter- for the sport in general and particularly for those at the coalface of powertrain development. As Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, I’ve never seen a challenge like this: new Power Unit architecture, sustainable fuels, greater hybrid emphasis-all converging at once together with a whole new car. It’s not merely an evolution; it’s a revolution.”
He further explained,
“What distinguishes this era is the pace at which we must learn. The integration of advanced sustainable fuels, increased electrical hybridisation and newly defined energy deployment strategies demands a faster feedback loop. We can’t rely on long testing cycles to polish solutions; we must design, simulate, validate, and refine in tighter intervals. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s mission critical – both on the dyno and the track.”
– Hywel Thomas, Managing Director, Mercedes AMG HPP
Fuel innovation is also paramount, with PETRONAS delivering an advanced sustainable fuel formulated specifically as a drop-in solution to fulfill performance requirements while supporting F1’s carbon reduction goals. Datuk Sazali, Executive Vice President and CEO Downstream at PETRONAS, emphasized the strategic approach:
“Fuel is fundamental to performance in F1 as it powers every lap and every acceleration on track. For PETRONAS, the 2026 regulations have reinforced the need to formulate fuels differently, with performance, efficiency and sustainability designed together. Our bespoke advanced sustainable fuels are the result of years of formulation work and continuous engine testing, ensuring they meet the extreme demands of racing.”
He added,
“What differentiates our approach is how we formulate the fuels, lubricants and fluids as one complete performance system. From PETRONAS Primax fuel to PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela hydraulic fluid, each formulation is purpose-built to unlock the car’s full potential. This reflects our long-standing role in motorsport, and our strong commitment in applying the learnings in F1 to help shape the next generation of fuel and fluid technologies.”
– Datuk Sazali, Executive Vice President and CEO Downstream, PETRONAS
Chassis and Aerodynamics Adapted to New Technical Rules
In accordance with updated chassis regulations, the W17 features a shorter wheelbase by 200 millimeters, a reduced width by 100 millimeters, and a lowered minimum weight of approximately 30 kilograms. The car incorporates active aerodynamics with movable front and rear wings, allowing the team to optimize the balance between drag and downforce throughout various track scenarios. Narrower front and rear tyres contribute to drag reduction and weight savings, complementing reengineered suspension geometry. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been removed, replaced by enhanced Boost and Overtake modes designed to deliver competitive racing action.
James Allison, Mercedes’ Technical Director, reflected on the scale of change:
“The 2026 season represents a significant moment in the sport’s history. For those of us who live and breathe engineering, it’s both exhilarating and daunting in equal measure.”
He continued,
“This isn’t just a tweak to the regulations – it’s a wholesale transformation of almost every aspect of the car. Power Unit, chassis, aerodynamics, tyres: all are being changed at once.”
James Allison elaborated further,
“We hope we have brought the necessary courage and commitment to make the project a success. We have made our best judgments during the design phase, and we will continue to innovate relentlessly now that the cars are running. Personally, I relish these moments. Regulation changes are the lifeblood of F1 advancements. They challenge every assumption and reward teamwork and ingenuity. They bring high levels of stress, but they also bring opportunity. If we emerge from this transition with a competitive car, it will be one of the most satisfying achievements imaginable.”
Driver Lineup Strengthened for the Upcoming Season
Mercedes maintains the core driver roster from 2025, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli returning as race drivers. George achieved two victories and finished fourth in the Drivers’ World Championship last year, while rookie Kimi showed rapid improvement, securing multiple podium finishes and a Sprint pole position in Miami. Complementing them is Fred Vesti, promoted to Third Driver; Fred brings experience from the junior program and will focus on simulator work, race attendance, and an active IMSA racing schedule.
Toto Wolff, Team Principal, commented on the lineup:
“George, Kimi, and Fred represent everything our driver program stands for. George has become one of the most complete and dependable racers in the sport, a benchmark in speed, intelligence, and leadership. Kimi brings talent and fearlessness, matched with an eagerness to learn that accelerates his growth. And Fred, in his role as Third Driver, provides vital continuity and technical insight that strengthens us behind the scenes.”
He added,
“All three are alumni of our junior program, and their skills are complementary. They will continue to both push and support each other; as we enter this new era of regulations, that collaboration-on track, in the simulator, and within the garage-will be an important force in driving the team forward.”
– Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS
The team also introduced new Development Drivers, including Doriane Pin, last year’s F1 Academy Champion, taking on more responsibilities. Joshua Dürksen, an F2 race winner from Paraguay, joins as a Development Driver contributing to simulator work and testing of previous cars alongside his F2 commitments. Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson continues his simulator support role and manages the simulator driver roster, leveraging his deep involvement in developing the 2026 car.
Distinctive New Team Identity Reflects a Bold Beginning
To symbolize this transition, Mercedes revealed a refreshed team logo with a cleaner, streamlined design that accompanies the W17’s striking livery. The car features a sweeping PETRONAS green flow line running low along its body, signifying speed and precision while smoothly blending the traditional Mercedes silver with a deep black base. The sidepods display the AMG-inspired rhombus pattern, while the engine cover is adorned with the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star, combining heritage with modernity in a bold statement for the new era.
Significance and Prospects for Mercedes and the Sport
The launch of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE represents a decisive moment for both the team and Formula 1 itself, as radical rule changes redefine every component of racecar design. The combination of advanced hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, and revamped chassis and aerodynamics positions Mercedes to compete aggressively in 2026 and beyond. Success in managing this complex transition could set new standards for performance and sustainability in the sport.
As the season unfolds, the collaborative efforts of drivers George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Fred Vesti, alongside the development squad and engineering personnel including Toto Wolff, Hywel Thomas, James Allison, and others, will determine how effectively Mercedes adapts to these challenges. Their pioneering work with sustainable fuels and innovative powertrain architecture could also influence broader automotive technologies, underscoring Formula 1’s role as a crucible for cutting-edge motorsport engineering.
