F1 Bahrain Test: Mercedes confirms engine and aerodynamic upgrades on W17. Mercedes gathers encouraging feedback from the first updates on the W17 during the Bahrain pre-season tests.

The Mercedes team is gathering initial feedback on the upgrades brought to the Bahrain pre-season tests, with encouraging reports on the W17 single-seater. After a challenging first week at the Sakhir circuit, the second round of testing started on a more positive note, with the W17 completing the opening day without any major issues. The Brackley-based team was able to collect important data on the updates introduced in Bahrain, which appear to be performing as expected.

The car received revisions in several aerodynamic details, and having as much data as possible was essential. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell shared driving duties on Day 1, completing a combined total of 147 laps. Unlike the previous week, when the team faced multiple reliability issues, Mercedes was able to carry out the full test program, providing the first clear evaluations of the upgrades.

The updated W17 package impresses Mercedes

Mercedes started the second week at Sakhir on the right foot. The team was seeking feedback both on the new upgrades and on reliability after the difficulties experienced in the initial Bahrain tests. Several concerns related to the Power Unit appear to have been resolved, allowing the two drivers to run without significant interruptions.

“We’ve started the final days of testing well, completing 69 laps with Kimi and 78 with George. We updated some components on the W17 and they seem to be working as we hoped. We also ran a setup program to better understand the car and the tires,” said Andrew Shovlin.

The team had previously communicated that the Bahrain test would primarily focus on evaluating different car setups. The numerous hours available to teams allow them to test a variety of configurations, and most of the work carried out in Bahrain was in this direction.

“The track changes considerably throughout the day, with heat and cold, so it’s often difficult to analyze the results. However, it seems we’ve managed to keep the car within a good operating window, and it’s encouraging to see that degradation is under control,” Andrew Shovlin added.

The drivers themselves have also confirmed positive impressions regarding the changes made to the car. The key now will be to complete the final two days of testing without any further stoppages due to reliability issues, ensuring that the W17 is ready for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.