Mercedes complete first laps with their W17 at Silverstone

F1 Grand Prix, GP Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Following the reveal of the livery of their new car, Mercedes has taken its first major step toward the 2026 season, as the all‑new W17 E PERFORMANCE completed its maiden laps at Silverstone on Thursday.

Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli shared driving duties during a filming day that doubled as the car’s initial shakedown, covering nearly 200 km across 67 laps of the 2.979 km International Circuit.

The outing marked the first on‑track appearance of Mercedes’ 2026 challenger, built to the radically revised technical regulations that will reshape Formula 1 in the coming season.

Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin described the session as a smooth and encouraging start to the W17’s development programme.

Shovlin said that the team “had a sensible first day of running with the W17 at Silverstone,” emphasising that the primary objective of any shakedown is to confirm that all systems operate safely and reliably. He explained that the team “was able to get through our allotted mileage, with both George and Kimi getting to experience the 2026 car on track for the first time,” and he stressed that this achievement “is testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.”

Shovlin added that the team’s focus now shifts to the next phase of testing. He stated that their “attention now turns to Barcelona where we will look to build on today’s running and add to our understanding of the W17,” noting that the upcoming sessions will be crucial for gathering data under a wider range of conditions.

Although the team did not release formal driver comments, both Russell and Antonelli completed their first laps in a 2026‑spec machine without issue. The day represented an important milestone for Antonelli in particular, as he begins his first full Formula 1 season.

Team engineers described both drivers as “positive and constructive” in their early feedback, with the emphasis firmly on system checks rather than performance.

Mercedes will now head to Spain for the Barcelona Shakedown, a five‑day event running from 26–30 January. The team has three days of running allocated and will use the opportunity to expand its understanding of the W17’s behaviour under the new regulations.

With active aerodynamics, reduced drag, and a significantly revised power unit formula, the 2026 season represents one of the most transformative rule changes in modern Formula 1. The Silverstone shakedown marks the beginning of a long and intensive development journey for Mercedes as it adapts to the new era.