Mercedes is considering bringing its second major W17 upgrade package forward to the Formula 1 weekend at Sepang rather than waiting until Singapore, as Ferrari and McLaren continue to close the performance gap. The team is not yet in a state of alarm, but the reduced advantage it enjoyed at the beginning of 2026 has prompted a reassessment of its development timetable.
Mercedes has introduced only one major upgrade package so far this season, in Montreal. At the same time, its rivals have made substantial progress, while a series of technical problems have resulted in costly non-scores for both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. The combination means the Brackley team needs to push forward with development once again.
According to Autoracer, however, Mercedes’ next major package is still expected to take several races before appearing on track. The situation has become increasingly important following McLaren’s recent progress, with the Woking team now considered capable of putting Mercedes under greater pressure after its major Hungary upgrade.
Mercedes W17 upgrade could debut at Sepang
Mercedes is expected to bring some new parts to Zandvoort, but these will be relatively minor additions rather than a major development package. The second significant W17 upgrade is currently expected to arrive either at Sepang or one week later at the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore.
Production schedules and Mercedes’ initial assessments had pointed towards Singapore as the more likely debut venue. However, the revised Formula 1 calendar has changed the equation. Sepang has been added between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, with the 2026 race weekend in Malaysia taking place from October 2-4.
The Malaysian circuit is also a complete and demanding track that should allow Mercedes to properly evaluate the new components. Running another Grand Prix effectively with the Montreal-spec car could carry an increasing risk given the progress being made by Ferrari and McLaren.
Ferrari and McLaren progress puts Mercedes under pressure
Both Ferrari and McLaren are expected to introduce significant developments between Zandvoort and Baku, adding further pressure on Mercedes not to lose momentum in the upgrade race. McLaren’s recent gains have already drawn particular attention inside the championship, while Mercedes itself is facing wider concern over how quickly its early-season advantage could disappear. That situation has also prompted discussion over Mercedes’ position in the 2026 Formula 1 title fight.
Red Bull must also remain part of the equation. Max Verstappen has finished on the podium in three of the last four Grands Prix, ensuring another rival remains close enough to take advantage if Mercedes loses further ground.
There is another important reason why Sepang could be preferable to Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a Sprint weekend, meaning teams have less conventional practice time in which to evaluate a major new package. Sepang, by contrast, will feature the traditional three free practice sessions, giving Mercedes considerably more opportunity to understand new components and optimise the W17 around them.
Mercedes to decide after the F1 summer break
Given all those factors, it is understandable that Mercedes is at least considering accelerating its development schedule. The team must balance production deadlines against the competitive cost of waiting an additional race while Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull continue to apply pressure.
Mercedes’ performance remains closely tied to reliability as well as outright pace, with the team’s power-unit work also playing an important role in the progress of its customer teams. McLaren has recently credited Mercedes HPP’s contribution to its own 2026 performance gains, underlining how quickly the competitive landscape is evolving.
A final decision on whether to introduce the major W17 upgrade at Sepang or maintain the original Singapore timetable is expected once Mercedes returns from the Formula 1 summer break.
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