Formula 1 is swinging back into Southeast Asia this week, and Mercedes is pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable splash!
Ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated return to the legendary Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, the Silver Arrows have revealed a striking, one-off green-and-black livery on their W17 machines.
The bespoke aesthetic celebrates the team’s long-standing technical and title partner, Petronas, for what serves as an emotional homecoming event, officially called the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The unique naming agreement between F1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia comes after the original race in Middle Eastern territory was canceled in April due to regional conflict.
Now, with Sepang stepping into the spotlight, George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli are set to hit the track in eye-catching style.
High stakes and big upgrades at Sepang
Alongside the fresh look, Mercedes is bringing critical firepower under the hood. The team has bolted on its first major technical upgrade package since June's Canadian Grand Prix, aiming to snap a Sepang win drought that stretches back to Lewis Hamilton's victory in 2014.
“This weekend has extra significance for us because of our long-standing relationship with Petronas,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said.
“It's fantastic to see Formula 1 returning to Sepang and we should also recognise the effort that has gone into making this Grand Prix happen. It has required strong collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain, and that deserves credit.
“Once the cars are on track, though, our focus is on the job ahead. Sepang is a demanding circuit that asks every question of the car. You need performance in the high-speed corners, good traction, strong tyre management and consistency in hot, challenging conditions. It is one of the more complete tests on the calendar.”
Facing the stopwatch on conventional turf
While Mercedes has enjoyed strong high-speed low-downforce outings, Wolff remains realistic about the car's ultimate pace on conventional, high-downforce circuits as the team works tirelessly to establish regular front-row dominance.
Wolff remains clear-eyed about the challenge ahead as the team works tirelessly to regain its front-row momentum.
“We are bringing an update package this weekend, and that is an important step for us,” he explained.
©Mercedes
“At the more representative circuits in recent races, we have not been where we want to be. Monza and Baku presented unique challenges, but on the more conventional tracks we have not been in the fight for pole position. We know that and we are working hard to change it.
“The update is hopefully another step forward, but there are no guarantees in F1. The stopwatch is always the final judge. Our focus is on understanding the package quickly, executing the weekend well, and aiming to put ourselves in the fight at the front.”
Read also: Russell says Antonelli now ‘under pressure’ in title fight
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