Mercedes have announced a new sponsorship agreement with Microsoft as the team revealed images of their W17 Formula 1 car ahead of the upcoming season. The partnership was confirmed on Thursday, with Microsoft branding visible on the sides of the airbox and on the front wing of the predominantly silver and black car.
The new era starts here. Introducing our W17 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/ld0Zu6vjTv
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 22, 2026
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by either party. However, Sky News reported that an unnamed sponsorship expert suggested the deal could be valued at around 60 million dollars per year. Mercedes will begin pre season testing in Barcelona next week, with attention also focused on reports suggesting the team may have identified an interpretation of the new engine regulations that could provide a competitive advantage over rivals such as Ferrari. Mercedes supply power units not only to their works team but also to McLaren, Williams and Alpine.
The team is scheduled to hold an online car launch event on 2 February. Further testing sessions will take place in Bahrain before the Formula 1 season begins in Australia on 8 March.
Mercedes also confirmed that Doriane Pin has been appointed to a development role for the season. The 22 year old French driver won the F1 Academy series last year and will now contribute through simulator work, additional factory based duties and attendance at selected grands prix in a trackside capacity.
Super proud of you, @DorianePin. An exciting new chapter 📖 pic.twitter.com/z0hd2R9ZnE
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 21, 2026
During the previous campaign, Mercedes finished second in the constructors championship behind McLaren. George Russell secured two race victories, while Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli achieved three podium finishes and became the youngest driver to record a fastest lap in Formula 1.
Mercedes dominated the sport between 2014 and 2021, winning eight consecutive constructors titles. The team is aiming to return to championship winning form as preparations continue for the new season.
