Mercedes unveiled its 2026 challenger, the W17, ahead of a Thursday shakedown at Silverstone. The German outfit, which amassed eight straight constructors’ titles from 2014‑21, struggled under the 2022‑25 formula and hopes the rule reset will restore its front‑row status. Drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will pilot the new machine.

Rival teams allege Mercedes, alongside Red Bull, have exploited a loophole that lets their power unit run at a higher compression ratio than the 16:1 limit measured at ambient temperature, potentially boosting power. The FIA will convene Thursday to address the thermal‑expansion argument, echoing Red Bull engine boss Ben Hodgkinson’s recent criticism of engineers ignoring material behaviour.

Team principal Toto Wolff stressed that Mercedes have aligned development on the new chassis, power‑unit and fully sustainable fuel to meet the 2026 technical overhaul. After Silverstone, the squad joins nine rivals for a closed‑door pre‑season test at Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya, limited to three of five days, where early performance clues will emerge.