Mercedes plans technical upgrades and new power unit for W17

Mercedes is planning a series of technical developments for its W17 car to increase competitiveness in Formula 1. The team intends to introduce an initial update package at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, followed by further improvements during the upcoming triple-header sequence.

Bradley Lord, deputy team principal, stated that the team is focusing on continuous, incremental improvements rather than just large, visible packages. The goal is to maintain steady evolution in areas such as low-speed cornering, tire management, and cooling systems.

Additionally, Mercedes is coordinating a new power unit strategy for George Russell. The team aims to introduce an updated internal combustion engine, incorporating advancements allowed by the second round of ADUO measurements, likely between the Austin and Mexico City Grands Prix. This move is intended to consolidate penalties into a single event, allowing Russell to utilize a more powerful engine for the remainder of the season.