Mercedes Confirms Major W17 Upgrade Starting from Malaysia GP

Mercedes has confirmed that its next major upgrade package for the W17 will arrive from Malaysia onwards, as the team aims to regain its early-season dominance in 2026. The Silver Arrows have not introduced a substantial update to the car since May at the Canadian Grand Prix, while rivals have continued to push development on both power units and car packages.

The intensive development war in 2026 has seen the competitive order shift race by race. Upgrades from McLaren enabled Lando Norris to secure consecutive victories in Hungary and Zandvoort, alongside a strong showing in Spain. Although Mercedes won the last two races, the team has seen its earlier pace advantage over rivals diminish in the second half of the season.

Speaking on the Nu Silver Arrows radio show, Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin expressed hope that the upcoming updates starting in Malaysia will allow Mercedes to fight for pole position again. For the upcoming race in Baku, Shovlin noted that the team will not bring major new parts, but expects the W17 to perform well based on its low-drag efficiency demonstrated in Monza.

Shovlin added that Baku requires a balance of straight-line speed and low-speed handling through its tight street sections. He highlighted that George Russell has performed well at the track in the past and that Kimi is now familiar with the circuit, keeping the team hopeful of contending for a win despite the lack of immediate updates for that event.