Mercedes plans steady W17 upgrades while F1 aims for record sprint weekends in 2027

Mercedes has set a strategy for the 2026 Formula 1 season that relies on continuous, incremental development of its W17 chassis. Track‑side engineering director Andrew Shovlin said the team will add small performance upgrades at each race weekend rather than introducing a large upgrade package, aiming to preserve the advantage it has built so far despite recent progress from Ferrari and Red Bull.

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali announced that the 2027 calendar will feature a record number of sprint events, with nine or ten of the 24 race weekends likely to include a 100‑km sprint. He highlighted the format’s positive impact on spectator attendance and described the expansion as a necessary “think‑outside‑the‑box” move for the sport.