Mercedes confirms major W17 upgrades for Malaysia GP

Formula 1 teams are entering a critical development phase as the 2026 season progresses. Mercedes, currently leading the constructors' championship with a 145-point advantage over Ferrari, has confirmed it will introduce a major upgrade package for its W17 at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix in October. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that while the team has focused on smaller, circuit-specific tweaks recently, the new package aims to restore their qualifying edge and ability to fight for pole positions.

For the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Mercedes expects to rely on its current setup, which performed well in Monza. Shovlin highlighted that Baku requires a specific balance of low drag for long straights and low-speed handling for its street circuit sections.

Other teams are also implementing significant changes. McLaren is introducing a new H-wing and floor in Baku to improve efficiency and low-speed cornering. Williams is also bringing a substantial update package to Azerbaijan, though driver Alex Albon noted that the team's development pace has struggled to keep up with midfield rivals. Haas is looking to build on recent progress from its Madrid update as it prepares for the unique challenges of the Baku City Circuit.