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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Mercedes W17 has hit the track for the first time. Image: Mercedes<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Mercedes W17 has hit the track for the first time. Image: Mercedes<\/p>\n
The Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance completed its on-track debut at Silverstone, with race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli sharing duties during a filming day at the British circuit.<\/p>\n
The pair combined for 67 laps of the International layout, covering just under 200 kilometres, the maximum permitted for the day.<\/p>\n
The shakedown came only hours after the first official images of the W17 were released<\/a>, offering the first real glimpse of Mercedes\u2019 complete 2026 package following the sweeping overhaul of chassis and power unit regulations.<\/p>\n Running on Pirelli\u2019s demonstration tyres, the focus of the outing was on systems checks and baseline reliability rather than outright performance.<\/p>\n Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin described the day as a solid opening step for the Brackley-based squad.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have had a sensible first day of running with the W17 at Silverstone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n GALLERY: Mercedes\u2019 2026 F1 car<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cAs with any shakedown, the focus is on ensuring everything operates safely and reliably.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.\u201d<\/p>\n While Mercedes\u2019 customer Alpine had already debuted the new 2026 Mercedes V6 hybrid<\/a> engine at the same venue earlier in the week, this marked the first time the works outfit ran its full car and power unit together.<\/p>\n Attention now turns to Spain, with Mercedes set for three days of running during the private Barcelona shakedown from January 26 to 30.<\/p>\n Shovlin said the upcoming test will allow the team to expand on its initial findings.<\/p>\n \u201cOur attention now turns to Barcelona where we will look to build on today\u2019s running and add to our understanding of the W17,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The W17 launch continues a busy week of early running across the grid, following recent shakedowns from Racing Bulls<\/a> and Alpine and car reveals by Haas<\/a> and Audi<\/a>, with Alpine and Ferrari both set to unveil their 2026 challengers on Friday.<\/p>\n
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