Mercedes drops its biggest upgrade yet for the Bahrain Grand Prix, revamping floor and sidepods to stay ahead in the 2026 season.
Revamped Lower‑body Package Targets Downforce
The W17’s overhaul touches the floor board, leading edge, rear corner, and diffuser, while the rear‑half of the sidepod bodywork adopts a new ramped profile, moving away from the undercut geometry that other teams have copied. Rear suspension fairings and winglets inside the wheel drums are reshaped, all aiming to lift rear‑end downforce.
First Major Package Since the Canadian Sprint
Mercedes delayed the car build to load as many winter upgrades as possible, a strategy that kept the team a few steps ahead at the start of the season but left fewer parts for early rounds. No other team has yet produced a concerted effort to close the gap in either the drivers’ or constructors’ standings.
Rumour‑Free Quotes from the Driver
“It’s quite abnormal to have an upgrade back in May and then only again almost in October,” said George Russell after winning in Baku. “It’s a big step and I hope it propels us again to the front on circuits that have been challenging over the last six races.”
Petronas Livery for the Malaysian Round
For the Malaysian Grand Prix, Mercedes will appear in a teal and black livery honouring title sponsor Petronas, the national oil conglomerate and official fuel supplier to all Mercedes‑powered teams.
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