Mercedes Hosts 2026 F1 Season Launch Event Live Today

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is hosting its official 2026 season launch event today, featuring team principal Toto Wolff and drivers George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Frederik Vesti. Following a reportedly strong and productive five-day pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, the event will be streamed live on the team's official website and YouTube channel, starting at 11:30 GMT, offering fans a first in-depth look at the team's ambitions for the new era.

Why it matters:

This launch is Mercedes' first major public showcase since revealing initial images of its new W17 challenger, marking a critical moment to set the tone for its 2026 campaign. After two challenging seasons, the team's performance in Barcelona testing and the insights shared today will be key indicators of whether the Silver Arrows are poised for a genuine return to the front of the grid.

The details:

• The live event begins at 11:30 GMT (12:30 CET) and will be accessible via the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team's official website and YouTube channel.
• A panel discussion will feature Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolff alongside drivers George Russell, rookie Kimi Antonelli, and reserve driver Frederik Vesti.
• Following the driver panel, the team's technical leadership will provide insights into the major 2026 technical regulations, a pivotal shift in the sport's design philosophy.
• Title partner Petronas will host a segment focusing on the new sustainable fuels mandated for the 2026 season.

What's next:

The final pre-season test is scheduled for February 11-13 in Bahrain, providing the last opportunity for teams to refine their cars before the competitive action begins. The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship season officially kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on February 28, where Mercedes' winter progress will be put to the ultimate test.