Mercedes introduced a revised rear wing on the final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, aiming to enhance airflow management. However, the session ended frustratingly for driver Kimi Antonelli due to a power unit problem. The team gathered useful data despite mechanical setbacks.
The final day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain saw Mercedes fit a revised rear wing to their W17 car, with Kimi Antonelli at the wheel. The update featured endplates with a sinuous design, where the upper edge flares outwards to improve airflow around the pivots of the active aerodynamic mechanism. A small aerodynamic tab, about two centimeters high and equipped with a Gurney tab on its trailing edge, was added between the fixed flap portion and the movable element.
This configuration targets better control of dense airflow in sensitive areas. It ensures that variations in airflow density do not hinder straight-line drag reduction and allows a smoother increase in rear load when shifting from low-drag to high-downforce setups for cornering. The design remains within FIA regulatory volumes, similar to Ferrari's inverted flap tested earlier in the session.
Despite these technical advancements, Antonelli's session concluded prematurely due to a power unit issue on Friday, marking another reliability hiccup for Mercedes during the Bahrain tests—most occurring when he was driving. Antonelli completed 516 laps overall, ranking 10th among drivers, and expressed disappointment: “We had a disappointing end to our pre-season testing with a power unit issue stopping us running prematurely this morning. We’ve had several reliability issues here in Bahrain and that has limited the mileage I’ve managed in the W17. It’s frustrating for everyone in the team but that is what testing is for. Before our stoppage today, we still managed 49 laps and that is useful learning.”
In contrast, teammate George Russell logged 688 laps, the highest of any driver, providing the team with substantial data. Mercedes is viewed by some as leading the pack ahead of the season opener, but Antonelli noted ongoing work needed: “We’ve got a solid platform to build from, but we know we need to continue to improve if we are to be in the fight at the front there. We have several areas of particular focus, alongside bringing general performance to the car, and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is already working on that.” The team now prepares for a quick transition to the Melbourne race.
