The 2026 Formula 1 season brings big rule changes, and both the Mercedes W17 and Red Bull RB22 are built around them. One major update is active aerodynamics, which means some parts of the car can adjust to control airflow better during a race. Another key change is weight. The minimum weight is now 770 kg, which is 30 kg lighter than before.
The Mercedes W17 is shorter, narrower, and lighter to match the new rules. The Red Bull RB22 has a very slim and aggressive sidepod design. It also uses advanced rear cooling to manage heat from the power unit more efficiently.
Mercedes W17 2026 Features and Design
The Mercedes F1 W17 is the 2026 car built under the new Formula 1 rules. It is shorter and narrower than the team’s previous cars. The minimum weight is now 770 kg, which helps make the car lighter and more efficient on track.
One big change is active aerodynamics. Instead of the old DRS system, the W17 uses special Boost and Overtake modes to control airflow and improve speed when needed. The team also redesigned the chassis completely to reduce weight and increase efficiency. The car keeps its classic silver and black colors with Petronas green highlights.
Shorter and Narrower Design
The W17 is built smaller than previous Mercedes cars to match the new 2026 rules.
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770 kg Minimum Weight
The car now weighs 770 kg, making it lighter and more efficient on the track.
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Active Aerodynamics with Boost and Overtake Modes
Instead of the old DRS system, it uses Boost and Overtake modes to control airflow and increase speed.
Completely Redesigned Chassis
Mercedes rebuilt the chassis to reduce weight and improve overall performance.
Red Bull RB22 2026 Design and Engine
The Red Bull Racing RB22 is built for the 2026 Formula 1 season under the new rules. It has a very slim design with narrow and heavily sculpted sidepods to help air flow smoothly. The car uses a high nose to improve front wing efficiency. It also has curled footplates and an inward-facing front wing endplate to control tire wake.
The RB22 is powered by the Red Bull Ford DM01 1.6L V6 turbo engine, with 350 kW energy harvesting capability. At the rear, it uses a cooling cannon design with shoulder vents and small winglets near the crash structure. The front suspension is push-rod, and the car has a darker blue throwback livery.
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Slim and Sculpted Aerodynamic Design
The car has very narrow and heavily shaped sidepods to help air move smoothly around it. It also uses a high nose, curled footplates, and an inward-facing front wing endplate to control airflow and tire wake.
Red Bull Ford DM01 1.6L V6 Turbo Engine
It is powered by a 1.6L V6 turbo engine with 350 kW energy harvesting capability.
Cooling Cannon Rear Design
The rear has a special cooling cannon layout with shoulder vents and small winglets near the crash structure.
Push-Rod Front Suspension
The car uses a push-rod suspension system at the front to improve airflow and performance.
Mercedes W17 vs Red Bull RB22: Who Will Shine in the 2026 Formula 1 Season?
The 2026 Formula 1 season shows how much the sport is changing with new rules. Both the Mercedes W17 and the Red Bull RB22 are built to match the 770 kg weight limit and use advanced active aerodynamics. Mercedes focused on making the W17 shorter, narrower, lighter, and more efficient with a redesigned chassis and new Boost and Overtake modes. Red Bull took a different path with a slim, aggressive design, a powerful 1.6L V6 turbo engine with 350 kW energy recovery, and advanced rear cooling. Both cars show smart engineering in different ways.
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