P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes’ W17 which appeared for a shakedown at Silverstone on Thursday morning appeared to be suspiciously basic, as Paolo Filisetti explains.
The 2026 campaign is approaching with pre-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya set to begin next week. However, the unveiling of Mercedes’ W17 raised more questions than it answered, as the car seemed conventionally designed and almost like a show car rather than a competitive racer. The front wing, especially the flap profiles, was overly simplified, making it difficult to identify the active aerodynamics system. The nose connected to the wing with two short pillars, and the design felt provisional and more for public display rather than genuine aerodynamic performance. The bargeboards, with basic slots, continued this trend of rudimentary design that did not meet expectations for a team like Mercedes. The W17’s presentation left many wondering about the team’s aerodynamic intentions and development plans for the future races.
