Photo: Mercedes-AMG F1 Team

Mercedes reacts to having the W17 on track: this is how the shakedown went!

18:44, 22 Jan

Updated: 19:04, 22 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

Mercedes completed its shakedown ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team's Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin, reacted to team's first running.

The W17 went out on track for the first time at the Silverstone Circuit today. Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli completed a total of 67 laps with the new car.

"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."

Kimi Antonelli sitting in the W17 - Photo: Mercedes-AMG F1 Team

Mercedes launch event will take place on 2 February. Up next for the team is the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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