Mercedes Set for Major Canadian GP Upgrade Push as Ferrari’s…. read more
are preparing to unleash a significant package of upgrades at the upcoming , with the new developments expected to strengthen their title challenge and potentially erase one of ’s biggest advantages this season.
The Brackley-based squad has so far taken a measured approach to development in 2026. While rivals such as and arrived in Miami with aggressive upgrade packages that included seven new components each, Mercedes introduced only two updates. However, that strategy now appears to have been part of a larger plan focused on delivering a much bigger performance leap in Montreal.
In Miami, McLaren earned widespread praise for a redesigned front wing that appeared to improve the car’s balance and efficiency, while Red Bull’s changes reportedly delivered an overall gain of around six-tenths of a second per lap. Those upgrades immediately intensified the battle at the front of the grid and increased pressure on Mercedes to respond.
Now, reports from Motorsport Italy suggest that Mercedes are ready to answer with a comprehensive development package for the Canadian Grand Prix. Although the team has not officially confirmed the details, several major changes are believed to be on the way for the W17.
Among the expected updates are revisions to the front wing and adjustments to the airflow design around the front suspension. Engineers are also believed to have reworked the carbon-fibre suspension covers and sections of the underbody in an attempt to improve aerodynamic efficiency and overall stability.
Another major step reportedly involves weight reduction. Mercedes have been working aggressively to bring the W17 closer to the minimum weight limit, and one of the key solutions is said to be a lighter gearbox design. In modern Formula One, even small reductions in weight can produce meaningful gains in tyre management, acceleration, and cornering performance, making this an important area of focus.
The timing of these upgrades could prove crucial as Formula One prepares to introduce stricter compression ratio checks beginning June 1. Teams are eager to maximise their competitiveness before technical scrutiny tightens further, and Mercedes appear determined to widen their advantage before rivals can respond.
Despite their strong pace over one lap this season, Mercedes have struggled with one recurring weakness — race starts. Their problems off the line have repeatedly cost them valuable track position, particularly for championship leader .
Across the opening four rounds of the season, Antonelli has lost a staggering 26 positions on the opening lap of sprint races and grands prix combined. Those poor starts have prevented Mercedes from fully converting their qualifying performances into race victories.
The issue was especially noticeable in Miami, where Antonelli lost six places during the sprint race almost immediately after the lights went out. Mercedes later discovered the problem was not caused by driver error but by incorrect clutch target settings, which triggered excessive wheelspin at the start.
To solve the issue, Mercedes’ electronics department has reportedly focused on reducing the effects caused by the car’s large turbo system. The goal is to deliver smoother power application during launches and improve traction when the drivers release the clutch.
Improved starts would represent a major breakthrough because Ferrari have consistently held a clear advantage in this area throughout 2026. Time and again, Ferrari drivers have managed explosive launches that allowed them to overtake pole-sitting Mercedes cars before reaching the first corner.
That strength has become one of Ferrari’s most valuable weapons this season, helping compensate for occasions where they may have lacked outright qualifying pace. If Mercedes can finally fix their launch issues while simultaneously introducing a stronger aerodynamic package, Ferrari could lose one of the few areas where they currently hold a consistent edge.
With the championship battle tightening and development races intensifying, the Canadian Grand Prix could mark a major turning point in the 2026 Formula One season.