Mercedes W17: first impressions are positive
The filming day at Silverstone marked the first real track outing for the Mercedes W17 and its drivers, a symbolic but far from trivial step at a stage of the season when the eyes of the paddock are fully focused. Despite the regulatory limits of the event (filming days are tightly restricted), the debut of Brackley’s new car reinforced a perception already widespread in the paddock: Mercedes is considered, at this early stage, the technical benchmark against which all other teams are inevitably measuring their work.
Antonelli highlights the collective effort
Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, who made a highly anticipated debut, underlined the collective value of the project and the work carried out between Brackley and Brixworth. He said:
“The first day with the new car was very important for the team and for everyone involved in the project, and I must say it was a positive day. I’m really happy and want to sincerely thank everyone at Brackley and Brixworth, because they did an incredible job putting the car together and allowing us to do some laps. So, this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for the upcoming tests and, of course, the start of the season.”
These words reflect a project born from an extensive development process, where the filming day is not an endpoint but the first tangible feedback after months of work. Antonelli emphasizes the concept of “beginning,” hinting that the real potential of the W17 will emerge gradually, first in tests and later in direct competition with rivals.
Russell praises the power unit
George Russell echoed this perspective, focusing on the technical and sensory aspects of the new package, especially the power unit. He explained:
“It’s incredible to see the new car and the new engine on track; the sound is fantastic, really different from what I expected.”
Russell expanded on the broader human and engineering effort behind the project, which extends far beyond just the last year of development:
“It’s really special to drive it for the first time, because this engine and powertrain have been in development for years. The car has been developed over the past year, with everyone working hard to bring it to life. Being in the factory these past days, seeing everyone assemble the car, make the final touches, and finally getting to drive it, is always a really special moment. So yes, it’s fantastic to be on track, it’s fantastic to see the car in action, and I can’t wait to get hands-on with it.”
Russell’s comments reinforce a widely shared interpretation in the paddock: the W17 is not the result of a last-minute, disruptive project, but the outcome of a layered, carefully planned development, particularly on the power unit side, which has always been central to Mercedes’ identity at Brixworth. His reference to the “sound” of the new engine, different from expectations, also suggests a technical solution that may diverge from other manufacturers.
In this context, it is no surprise that many F1 insiders consider Mercedes the team to beat at the start of the new season. This assessment is not based on lap times, irrelevant during a filming day, but rather on a combination of factors: the robustness of the project, organizational continuity, chassis and power unit integration, and a level of preparation evident even in the drivers’ statements.
Silverstone provided just a first taste, but enough to confirm a key point: Mercedes starts the 2026 season with the authority of a team confident it has built a credible technical foundation. The rest, as always, will have to be proven on track when the timing truly starts to matter.
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