Mercedes has introduced its first main aerodynamic improve for the W17 since Could, for the Method 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Because the covers got here off the 2026 Mercedes challenger on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit, it was arduous to disregard a radical design alternative opted for by the German marque for the weekend.
The W17 has been the benchmark of the sector this yr, however a lot of it has been right down to the Brackley-based group’s stellar energy unit programme for F1’s newest period, with the Mercedes PU profitable 14 out of the 15 races run thus far.
That mentioned, the inherent aerodynamic idea of the chassis is one thing that the Mercedes engineers nonetheless need to good, given its relative weak point in slow-corner exits.
To fight this, the group has introduced a radically revamped aerodynamic improve – its first substantial alteration to the W17 for the reason that Canadian GP in Could.
A lot of the element may be gleaned from the putting sidepod design. The thought is to permit concerted airflow in the direction of the rear of the automotive, with an aggressive ramp angled in the direction of the rear axle, with out disturbing the inherent stability of the bundle.
What’s extra, given the FIA has declared the race weekend at Sepang a Warmth Hazard, work has additionally been performed on the bodywork gills to accommodate the excruciating local weather of Malaysia.
Along with the sidepod bodywork adjustments, the group has additionally made in depth revisions to the ground of the W17.
These revisions, working in tandem with the up to date airflow idea of the sidepods, will permit the German marque to enhance its general downforce throughout the automotive with out incurring an uptick in drag.
It’s being steered that the downforce good points, on observe, may be as excessive as 4 per cent.
The format of Sepang, with its two lengthy straights and fast-flowing nook complexes, can be the proper venue for Mercedes to check out its newest innovation and stretch its legs additional in each the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
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