Mercedes has chosen a very modern way to launch its 2026 Formula One era, pairing the first laps of its new W17 at Silverstone with a headline technology alliance that pulls Microsoft into the heart of the team.

Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli gave the 2026 Mercedes Formula One car its track debut at a Silverstone filming day on Thursday before testing starts in Spain next week.

Bookmakers have Mercedes as an F1 2026 preseason favorite. It won dominantly with a great new engine in 2014, as these rules change again

Microsoft is switching its F1 allegiances from Alpine to Mercedes-AMG for the 2026 season. A new multi-year partnership will see Mercedes-AMG use Microsoft technologies for race team operations, and plaster the Microsoft logo in prominent positions on the 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 car and on racing suits.

LONDON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli gave the 2026 Mercedes Formula One car its track debut at a Silverstone filming day on Thursday before testing starts in Spain next week.

John Owen, currently Mercedes’ director of car design, held the role of chief designer at the team from 2010-2023, which covered the second period of sustained F1 success for the giant automotive marque. Owen’s role will be taken over by Giacomo Tortora, who currently acts as Mercedes’ engineering director.

Aston Martin has slammed the brakes on its official duties in Formula 1, ending its role as a supplier of safety and medical cars.