Summary
- Mercedes has unveiled a special green-and-black livery for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
- The design celebrates Petronas as its home country welcomes Formula 1 back to Sepang.
- Russell and Antonelli will also receive an upgrade package during the October 2–4 weekend.
Mercedes has revealed a special livery for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, giving Petronas’ signature green a greater presence on the W17. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will use the design as Formula 1 returns to Sepang after nine years away.
Unveiled on Wednesday, September 30, the colour scheme celebrates the homecoming of Mercedes’ title and technical partner. The Malaysian company has supported the team since its return to the championship in 2010.
The regular W17 already carries a green line along its bodywork, combined with silver and black. For Sepang, Mercedes has expanded the sponsor’s colour to produce a more prominent green-and-black appearance.
The occasion also reconnects Petronas with a circuit closely associated with its history in the championship. The company was the title sponsor of all 19 Malaysian Grands Prix held at Sepang between 1999 and 2017.
Mercedes brings an upgrade alongside its special livery
The revised appearance accompanies an important weekend for the W17’s development. Mercedes is bringing its first major upgrade package since the Canadian Grand Prix, with Sepang offering a different test from the previous round in Azerbaijan.
“This weekend has extra significance for us because of our long-standing relationship with Petronas,” team principal Toto Wolff said.
The Austrian identified Sepang’s combination of fast corners, traction demands and tyre management as a broad examination of the car. Heat and humidity add another challenge as the team works to understand its updated package.
Russell arrives after winning in Baku, where he resisted Max Verstappen to strengthen his position in the championship. The British driver subsequently acknowledged that his title-challenging form had arrived late.
When did Mercedes last win at Sepang?
Mercedes’ only victory at the Malaysian circuit came in 2014, when Lewis Hamilton converted pole position into a win. Hamilton also secured the team’s four Sepang poles, consecutively between 2014 and 2017.
The venue holds another milestone for the modern Mercedes team. Nico Rosberg finished third in 2010, securing its first podium after returning to Formula 1 as a constructor.
Across eight Malaysian Grands Prix, Hamilton and Rosberg contributed four podium finishes each. Russell and Antonelli now have the opportunity to add to that record in front of Petronas’ home crowd.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia takes place from October 2–4, with practice beginning on Friday. The 56-lap race will be held on Sunday at the 5.543km Sepang International Circuit.
F1 today: FAQ
What time does F1 practice start at Sepang?
Friday practice begins on 2 October. FP1 starts at 05:30 BST in the UK, 10:00 IST in India and 14:30 AEST in Sydney and Melbourne. In New York and Toronto, it starts at 00:30 EDT; in Los Angeles and Vancouver, at 21:30 PDT on Thursday. FP2 begins three and a half hours later.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas and retiring from F1?
Ocon will leave Haas at the end of 2026, but says he intends to remain in Formula 1. He has not announced retirement and would consider a reserve role while seeking another race seat.
What happened to Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Piastri was running near the front in Baku before a mistake during a Safety Car restart dropped him out of podium contention. He finished 14th, adding to a difficult 2026 season for the McLaren driver.
Why is Mercedes using a special livery in Malaysia?
The design celebrates Petronas’ home race and Formula 1’s return to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
