Mercedes has debuted a sizeable upgrade package on the first day of the final 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain.
Having ended the first Bahrain test last week on top, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are splitting driver duties on the first day of the second Bahrain test.
Mercedes has brought a number of changes to its W17 in Bahrain for this week, including a revised sidepod shape that’s more compact at the rear end.
There’s also a new vane on the top of the sidepod and an adjusted wing mirror mount compared to the first Bahrain test, which is much straighter.
There appear to be floor changes too, with a revised rear floor corner.
It has revised brake ducts at the front of the car, as well as a new front wing endplate that incorporates the trend of horizontal vanes seen across various teams, including McLaren.
At the rear of the car, there’s a slightly revised engine cover that houses the exhaust, and revised cooling gills on the top of the sidepods.
