“We have had a sensible first day of running with the W17 at Silverstone. As with any shakedown, the focus is on ensuring everything operates safely and reliably. We were able to get through our allotted mileage, with both George and Kimi getting to experience the 2026 car on track for the first time. That is testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. Our attention now turns to Barcelona where we will look to build on today’s running and add to our understanding of the W17,” said Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director

The team now heads to Spain for three days of running planned across the five-day event (26-30 January). Of Interest to AutoInformed is Doriane Pin, the 2026 Development Driver. Doriane was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne, France in January 2004, developing a love for motorsport at the age of four. She got her first race helmet and suit in 2012, and started karting competitively in 2013.The 2025 F1 Academy Champion has a thoroughbred pedigree of a racer:
• 2021 Le Mans Cup GT3 P5
• 2022 Ferrari Challenge Europe – Trofeo Pirelli (Pro) P1
• 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship – LMP2 P9
• 2023 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship P2
• 2024 F1 Academy P2

The W17 new livery is claimed to be a “bold expression of identity and evolution. A dynamic PETRONAS green flow line anchors the design, sweeping low across the car to emphasize speed and precision while harmonizing the transition from iconic Mercedes silver to the team’s deep black. The top of the sidepods feature the AMG-specific inspired rhombus signature, complimenting the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover,” Mercedes said.