Wolff at the official presentation of the W17: “We face a new era with a clear ambition”

New missions The first images of the new Mercedes W17 had already been published last January 22nd through renderings, with the Anglo-German team subsequently taking to the track in Barcelona for the shakedown. Today, Monday 2 February, the Brackley company officially unveiled its car for the 2026 championship, in the presence of Team Principal Toto Wolff and George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will form the line-up again this year. A special season both for Formula 1, which will open a new era with numerous regulatory changes, and for Mercedes, as reiterated by Wolff: “2026 represents a decisive moment for our team and for this sport – explained the Austrian, who also holds the role of CEO – the next season will be characterized by some of the most challenging changes to the technical regulations that we have ever faced. These rules will test every aspect of our organisation, while creating significant opportunities for innovation and definition of new performance standards. We approach this new era with clear ambition, focused execution and an uncompromising commitment to achieving results.” The Mercedes line-up Obviously, the role of the drivers will also be important, from the aforementioned Russell-Antonelli pair up to the third driver Frederik Vesti, with the Dane who, in addition to working on the simulator, will take part in the IMSA championship: “George, Kimi and Fred better represent our driver program – added Wolff – George has become one of the most complete and reliable drivers in the sport, a point of reference in terms of speed, intelligence and leadership. Kimi brings with him talent and courage, combined with a desire of learning which accelerates its growth. Fred, in his role as third driver, provides vital continuity and strengthening technical knowledge behind the scenes. All three have participated in our Junior Programme, and their skills are complementary. They will continue to stimulate and support each other as we enter this new era of regulations; Furthermore, new talents such as Doriane Pin, winner of the last F1 Academy championship, have joined the Mercedes Junior Team. She is joined by the Paraguayan Joshua Dürksen, present in the F2 championship and who will carry out activities on the simulator, as well as taking part in the TPC (Test Previous Cars). In conclusion, former F1 driver Anthony Davidson will also continue to provide simulator support and manage the driver roster.