Mercedes plans W17 development pause end with upgrades in Malaysia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 6:01 PM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed the team's development pause on the W17 will conclude with an upgrade package at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the start of October. Following significant updates during the Canadian Grand Prix, including changes to the front wing and bodywork, Mercedes aims to improve its performance, which has been challenged by rivals McLaren and Ferrari. While Shovlin mentioned limited updates for the upcoming Baku race due to its circuit characteristics, he expressed hope that the changes in Malaysia will provide a substantial step forward for the team. Mercedes is also developing its 2027 Formula 1 car alongside improvements to the current model.
- •Development freeze on the W17 ends in October at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
- •Previous updates were introduced during the Canadian Grand Prix.
- •Mercedes faces competition from McLaren and Ferrari in the current season.
- •Limited updates are planned for the Baku race due to circuit characteristics.
- •Mercedes is already working on its 2027 Formula 1 car.
- 6:01 PMYahoo Sports — Mercedes confirms where W17 development freeze will end
"Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has confirmed that the team plans to end its development pause on the W17 with an upgrade package in Malaysia at the start of October, with the Sepang International Circuit set to host the Bahrain Grand Prix. It has been since the Canadian Grand Prix, where Mercedes introduced a major package featuring changes to the front wing, floor, sidepods and bodywork, as well as diffuser-related updates, that the Brackley-based team has brought a genu
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