Mercedes shakes down 2026 F1 automotive at Silverstone after launch

Mercedes’ 2026 Formulation 1 automotive has hit the observe for the primary time because the Brackley-based squad ramps up preparations for the collection’ new technical period.

Simply hours after the official unveiling of the automotive on Thursday, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli put the W17 by way of its paces at Silverstone, working Pirelli’s grooved ‘demo’ tyres.

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Whereas Mercedes’ new buyer Alpine had already debuted the marque’s 2026 V6 hybrid engine on the similar venue yesterday, this shakedown marked the primary time the works group examined its full package deal collectively.

The German producer utilised the primary of its allocation of two annual promotional occasion days, which grants groups 200km of working on every day, finishing 67 laps of Silverstone’s 2.9km Worldwide observe format.

Mercedes has an extended historical past of internet hosting filming days on the British Grand Prix venue, because the circuit sits subsequent door to its chassis headquarters in Brackley and its engine division in Brixworth.

“We have now had a smart first day of working with the W17 at Silverstone,” Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes trackside engineering director, mentioned. “As with all shakedown, the main target is on guaranteeing all the pieces operates safely and reliably. We have been capable of get by way of our allotted mileage, with each George and Kimi attending to expertise the 2026 automotive on observe for the primary time. That’s testomony to the onerous work of everybody at Brackley and Brixworth.

George Russell, Mercedes W17

Picture by: Mercedes AMG

“Our consideration now turns to Barcelona the place we are going to look to construct on right now’s working and add to our understanding of the W17.”

Following Mercedes’ inaugural run at Silverstone, almost half of the expanded 11-team grid has accomplished shakedowns of their 2026 equipment.

Audi was the primary to hit the bottom working with its new challenger after taking on the erstwhile Sauber operation, with Cadillac, Racing Bulls and Alpine following the German model in latest days.

The total 2026 discipline will converge on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 26-30 January for the primary official take a look at. Groups should choose any three days from the five-day window to run their vehicles behind closed doorways in Barcelona.

Two extra checks will observe within the hotter local weather of Bahrain in February, each of which can be open to the general public and media.

Given the scale of the regulation overhaul, with chassis and engine guidelines being modified collectively for the primary time since 2014, the FIA has allotted further time for testing this yr.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes W17

Picture by: Mercedes AMG

Mercedes carries the identical driver line-up into 2026, with F1 sophomore Antonelli partnering the group’s new chief Russell.

Mercedes ended the 2025 season second within the constructors’ standings, beating each Crimson Bull and Ferrari – though it did not put up a struggle to McLaren, which used its buyer engines.

Images from Mercedes launch

Mercedes W17 livery