Formula 1 News: Mercedes W17 Makes On-Track Debut
The Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE, the team’s 2026 car, has made its on track debut at Silverstone today (22nd January). In the hands of race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the W17 completed 67 laps of the 2.979 km International Circuit combining for just short of 200 km of total mileage.
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, added: “We have had a sensible first day of running with the W17 at Silverstone. As with any shakedown, the focus is on ensuring everything operates safely and reliably. We were able to get through our allotted mileage, with both George and Kimi getting to experience the 2026 car on track for the first time. That is testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. Our attention now turns to Barcelona where we will look to build on today’s running and add to our understanding of the W17.”
The team now heads to Spain for three days of running planned across the five-day event (26-30 January). End of day press releases will be shared with media from Barcelona including quotes from drivers and senior team personnel.
Rolling out for our first laps of F1 2026 😤 pic.twitter.com/V2hvUTv3Gx
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 22, 2026