Mercedes has brought its second major W17 upgrade package of the 2026 Formula 1 season to Sepang, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli indicating that the new aerodynamic developments could be worth around three tenths of a second. The first visible changes include extensively redesigned sidepods, revisions to the floor and bargeboard area, and a new engine cover.
Now it is Mercedes’ turn to introduce significant developments. The Brackley-based team has arrived at Sepang with its second upgrade package after the substantial update that debuted in Canada ten Grands Prix ago. Even without major new parts since then, aside from circuit-specific adaptations, the W17 has continued to win.
It would therefore be misleading to attribute Mercedes’ success exclusively to its power unit. The team has fielded what has been the most competitive overall package when engine performance, chassis and aerodynamics are considered together.
Mercedes W17 upgrades target a three-tenth gain at Sepang
At the Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia, Mercedes is introducing a series of developments which, according to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, should provide a performance improvement measurable at around three tenths of a second.
If the indications from Mercedes’ simulations are reproduced on track, the German manufacturer could further extend its advantage even before the ADUO engine makes its planned debut at Austin, two races after Sepang.
The timing makes the package particularly significant. Mercedes has already been able to remain highly competitive without continuously introducing major upgrades, and the new Sepang specification represents the first substantial aerodynamic development programme since Canada.
Mercedes completely redesigns W17 sidepods
The most visually striking change among the parts already seen at Sepang is the complete redesign of the W17’s sidepods. Immediately behind the radiator inlet, the bodywork now drops sharply towards the edge of the floor, with a significant reduction in cross-section intended to reduce aerodynamic drag.
An initial section of the sidepod remains in place to help push the losses generated by front-wheel turbulence away from the body of the car. Further downstream, however, the design begins to revisit aerodynamic concepts previously explored by Mercedes.
The new shape recalls elements associated with the highly controversial zero-pod philosophy, although the 2026 regulations do not encourage the same extreme solutions that were possible under previous technical rules.
Mike Elliott concept still influences Mercedes thinking
The aerodynamic philosophy associated with Mike Elliott, who recently joined Alpine, has evidently continued to attract attention at Brackley. The redesigned sidepod is accompanied by a substantial revision to the engine cover, with particular consideration given to cooling requirements.
Alongside the cooling louvres above the sidepod, Mercedes has introduced a series of vertical outlets. They are especially important at Sepang, where high ambient temperatures and exceptionally high humidity place significant demands on cooling systems.
The solution is also intended to protect the reliability of the M17 E Performance power unit, which has at times experienced difficulties with battery cooling.
Mercedes reduces rear engine cover volume
Mercedes’ aerodynamic department has also worked to reduce the dimensions of the rear section of the engine cover. The objective is to improve the efficiency not only of the rear wing but of the entire rear-end aerodynamic structure.
As part of the same work, the carbon-fibre covers around the rear suspension arms have also been redesigned.
The changes illustrate how Mercedes is seeking performance through the interaction of several areas rather than relying on a single component. Reducing bodywork volume, improving airflow management and controlling cooling requirements are all part of the wider package introduced for Sepang.
New bargeboard and floor changes aim to increase diffuser flow
The bargeboard is also new and now features a more pronounced vertical flap together with two elements designed to generate a blowing effect.
The objective is to increase local aerodynamic load while also strengthening the outwash effect. At the same time, the surface area around the outer edge of the floor has grown considerably, increasing the volume of airflow directed towards the diffuser.
That combination is intended to improve the efficiency of the W17’s underfloor aerodynamics and rear-end performance, adding to the gains targeted through the redesigned sidepods and engine cover.
More Mercedes W17 developments still to be revealed
The components already visible at Sepang are not expected to represent the complete Mercedes upgrade package. Further significant solutions are understood to be part of the development programme but have not yet been clearly seen.
Mercedes therefore begins the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend with only part of its latest technical evolution fully exposed. If the complete package delivers the approximately three-tenth improvement indicated by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the already competitive W17 could take another significant step before the separate ADUO power unit development arrives at Austin.
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