- Mercedes will race the W17 in a special PETRONAS-inspired green and black livery at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
- Formula 1 is returning to Sepang International Circuit for the first time since the track hosted Grands Prix between 1999 and 2017.
- Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff confirmed an update package for the Malaysian weekend, targeting “another step forward”.
Mercedes reveals PETRONAS-inspired livery for Sepang return
Mercedes has unveiled a special livery for the W17 ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The design will honour the colours of the team’s title partner, PETRONAS, adding shades of green to the car’s usual black appearance.
The special Mercedes livery will be displayed at Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 is set to return after the Malaysian track previously hosted Grands Prix between 1999 and 2017. The event also carries added significance for Mercedes because of its long-standing relationship with PETRONAS.
“This weekend has extra significance for us because of our long-standing relationship with PETRONAS,” said Wolff.”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.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff said the team would maintain its competitive focus once the cars begin running at the Sepang International Circuit. He described the venue as a demanding test that places extensive requirements on a Formula 1 car, particularly in hot and challenging conditions.
“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.
Sepang’s high-speed corners, traction demands, tyre management requirements and consistently hot conditions will all influence Mercedes’ performance during the weekend. Wolff said the circuit represents one of the most complete tests on the Formula 1 calendar.
“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.”
Mercedes to introduce update package in Malaysia
Alongside the PETRONAS-themed livery, Mercedes will bring an update package to Malaysia. Wolff said the team hopes the changes will provide “another step forward” as Mercedes seeks to improve its competitiveness at the returning Sepang venue.
“Our focus is on understanding the package quickly, executing the weekend well, and aiming to put ourselves in the fight at the front,” he added.
Why This Matters
Mercedes’ Sepang weekend combines a major commercial partnership showcase with an important technical evaluation. The return of Formula 1 to the Malaysian circuit gives the team a demanding environment in which to assess its latest package across high-speed corners, traction zones and difficult tyre-management conditions. The outcome will depend on how quickly Mercedes understands the updates and how effectively it executes the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What livery will Mercedes use at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Mercedes will use a special W17 design featuring PETRONAS-inspired shades of green alongside the car’s usual black.
Where is Formula 1 returning?
Formula 1 is returning to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, which previously hosted Grands Prix between 1999 and 2017.
What update is Mercedes bringing to Malaysia?
Mercedes will introduce an update package that Toto Wolff said the team hopes will be “another step forward”.
