Mercedes leads Spanish GP upgrade race with triple W17 package

Mercedes has arrived at the Spanish Grand Prix with three upgrades to its championship-leading W17 – the most of any team on the grid. The FIA's pre-event car presentation documents confirm the Brackley squad is pushing hard to extend its advantage at the new Madrid circuit.

Why it matters:

The Spanish Grand Prix opens the European season at a brand-new venue, and the upgrade packages reveal each team's priorities. Mercedes' triple update suggests a focus on flow and stability, while Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are chasing performance in specific areas. With the championship battle heating up, every improvement could prove decisive.

The details:

• Mercedes: Three changes – rear wing and exhaust tailpipe are circuit-specific, plus a new front drum to improve flow attachment through all steer conditions, resulting in improved flow to the rear of the car.
• Ferrari: Small rear suspension fairing update, described as adapting the overall incidence and spanwise loading distribution for a local load benefit. The team remains winless since Leclerc's British GP triumph.
• McLaren: Additional elements added to the rear wing, improving flow conditioning onto the mainplane and flap elements. The MCL40 has already won in Hungary and the Netherlands.
• Red Bull: Updated rear wheel bodywork assembly and floor bib, continuing work from Monza to restore load while improving reliability and reducing local strain.
• Alpine: Added an element to the forward floor board, generating efficient local downforce.
• Cadillac: New rear wing flap and diffuser vane, aimed at generating more rear load and improving stability. The team is still pointless in 2026.
• No upgrades: Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Haas, Audi and Williams have brought nothing to this event.

What's next:

Ferrari is the only team with previous experience at the Madring, having held a filming day in July. That could give them a baseline – but Mercedes' aggressive upgrade package shows they're not resting on their laurels. FP1 will reveal whether the new parts deliver as expected.