The new Mercedes W17 is reported to currently weigh 772kg, just over the 2026 F1 minimum weight of 770kg.
The team from Brackley plans to reduce the weight of the W17 beyond the minimum mark for the Australian Grand Prix in order to optimally distribute the ballast and improve the handling of the car.
On the track, the weight of the car is critical: according to experts, a 10 kg difference gives about 0.3 seconds on a lap on a track like Barcelona.
After the pre-season tests, Mercedes is already considered one of the favorites of the championship thanks to the reliability and high speed of the car. The W17 is expected to deliver strong results and help breathe new life into the Mercedes team after a difficult few seasons with the cars of the ground effect era.
Source: sport.ua