W17, engine, drivers… Mercedes launches its season and displays its ambitions

The happy memory of 2014 undoubtedly lingers at Mercedes, when, at the time, the manufacturing secret of the Brackley and... Brixworth had made the Mercedes-Benz brand the dominant force on the grid. A dominance that had resulted in seven Drivers' titles and eight consecutive Constructors' titles until 2021.

This is the kind of masterstroke that the gang hopes to pull off again. Toto wolff faced with the challenge of the new regulations, which drastically change the engine, with electric energy taking an increasingly important part, reaching 50% of the total.
"2026 represents a pivotal moment for our team and for the sport."explains the Austrian team principal. “The upcoming season will be shaped by some of the most demanding technical regulation changes we have ever seen. These rules will test every aspect of our organization, while creating major opportunities to innovate and set new performance standards. We approach this new era with clear ambition, rigorous execution, and an uncompromising commitment to achieving results.”

Another major change is the elimination of the MGU-H, accompanied by a dramatic technological leap in the MGU-K, whose power output increases from 120 kW to 350 kW. This upgrade is accompanied by new energy recovery and deployment strategies designed to maximize performance while improving the overall system efficiency. The 2026 propulsion system also relies on the introduction of an advanced sustainable fuel developed by Petronas. Designed as a drop-in solution, this fuel maintains very high performance levels while reducing the carbon footprint over its entire lifecycle, perfectly aligned with the sustainability trajectory set by the Formula 1.

A brand new engine

Fully integrated into the W17's cooling architecture and aerodynamics, the power unit was designed as an integral part of the car. This advanced integration ensures optimal thermal robustness and energy efficiency at every stage of the lap, from high-regeneration braking zones to long full-throttle sequences. The joint approach between the Brackley and Brixworth sites was therefore a central pillar in the development of this new generation of F1 car, representing an unprecedented challenge.

"I have never faced a challenge of this magnitude: a new engine architecture, sustainable fuels, increased hybridization, all converging simultaneously in a completely new car," admits Hywel Thomas, general manager of Mercedes-AMG HPP, the engine structure. “This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution. What distinguishes this era is the speed at which we must learn. The integration of advanced sustainable fuels, the increase in electric hybridization, and new energy deployment strategies demand a much faster feedback loop. We can’t rely on long test cycles to refine solutions; we must design, simulate, validate, and refine within tighter timeframes. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s mission-critical—both on the test bench and on the runway.”

"The 2026 season represents a major moment in the history of the sport. For those of us who live and breathe engineering, it is both exhilarating and intimidating." confirms James Allison, the team's technical director. “This isn’t just a simple regulation adjustment, but a complete transformation of almost every aspect of the car. Power unit, chassis, aerodynamics, tires: everything is changing at once. We hope we’ve shown the courage and commitment needed to bring this project to fruition. We made our best decisions during the design phase and we will continue to innovate relentlessly now that the cars are running. Personally, I’m relishing these moments. Regulation changes are the engine of progress in F1. They challenge every assumption and reward teamwork and ingenuity. They generate intense stress, but also opportunities. If we emerge from this transition with a competitive car, it will be one of the most satisfying achievements imaginable.”

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Pilots trained in Brackley

In addition to the engine changes, the 2026 F1 cars will also feature a shorter wheelbase (-200 mm), a reduced width (-100 mm), and a minimum weight that is approximately 30 kg lighter. Active aerodynamics—with movable front and rear wings—will help balance drag and downforce on both straights and corners. Finally, Boost mode will partially replace DRS by delivering the full power of the motor and battery. Meanwhile, Overtake mode will provide an additional power boost, which can be activated at any point on the track when a car will be within one second of the one preceding it.

To make this ambitious project a success, Toto Wolff is counting on his star driver George Russell and his rising star Kimi Antonelli, who will be competing in his second season with Mercedes in Formula 1. Furthermore, the Dane Frederik Vesti has been appointed reserve driver, replacing Valtteri Bottas, went to Cadillac. “George, Kimi and Fred perfectly embody what our pilot program represents,” Toto Wolff is appreciated. “George has become one of the most complete and reliable drivers on the grid, a benchmark in terms of speed, intelligence, and leadership. Kimi brings talent and daring, combined with a desire to learn that accelerates his progress. And Fred, in his role as third driver, provides essential continuity and technical expertise that strengthens us behind the scenes. All three have come through our junior program, and their skills are complementary. They will continue to push and support each other; as we enter this new regulatory era, this collaboration—on track, in the simulator, and in the garage—will be a major force in moving the team forward.”

Another development: in addition to Dorian PinMercedes welcomes Joshua Dürksen as a development driver. The Paraguayan will compete in the championship this season. Formula 2 with Invicta, the championship-winning team for the past two seasons in the drivers' category, with Gabriel Bortoleto in 2024 and Leonardo Fornaroli in 2025. Dürksen will complete simulator sessions as well as several days of previous car testing (TPC), alongside his F2 program. He will share the role of development driver with the experienced Anthony Davidson and the Frenchwoman Doriane Pin.