Mercedes faced notable challenges with their pace during the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, despite introducing upgrades to their W17 car. The team’s revised floor and sidepod package marked their first update for this venue in nine years, but it did not translate into the expected performance gains.
The difficulties encountered were particularly evident in slower corners, where the car’s behaviour deviated from the norm. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord pointed out that a combination of factors contributed to this unusual performance. These included the new upgrade package, the high track temperatures, and Sepang’s notably rough surface, which together created complex conditions for the car and drivers.
One of the key issues was the roughness of the track surface, which increased tyre heat through mechanical deformation and hysteresis. This effect complicated tyre performance and required drivers to adopt atypical throttle inputs in slower sections. Additionally, the aerodynamic flow beneath the car was affected by the surface irregularities, impacting downforce generation and overall balance.
These combined factors made it difficult for Mercedes to extract their usual pace from the W17 at Sepang. The team’s efforts to understand these complex interactions are ongoing, with a view to refining their development approach for the remainder of the current season and into the next.
Adding to the weekend’s challenges, George Russell retired late in the race due to a mechanical failure related to the Mercedes power unit. The exact cause of this failure remains under investigation. Russell’s retirement prevented Mercedes from potentially securing a double podium finish, which would have been a strong result given their starting positions.
Mercedes’ experience at Sepang highlights how track-specific conditions can influence car performance in unexpected ways, even when upgrades are introduced. The interaction between surface roughness, tyre behaviour, and aerodynamics requires careful analysis to adapt the car’s setup and development path. The team’s focus remains on addressing these issues as they prepare for upcoming races, including the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.