Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has revealed a special livery update ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, featuring a bold wolf design on the front wing of the W17 under the tagline “Unleashing the Beast.”
The striking visual update will be carried on the cars of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli from Friday practice at Suzuka, as the championship leaders look to extend their perfect start to the 2026 season with a third consecutive victory.
A Fashion-Forward Collaboration
The wolf-inspired design is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes and legendary 82-year-old Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto through his Y-3 brand — a partnership between Yamamoto and Adidas that has been running since 2001.
The collection blends Yamamoto’s signature avant-garde minimalism with Formula 1’s technical precision. Mercedes described the partnership as a fusion of haute couture and high-performance sportswear, and the team will also feature wolf-themed elements on the drivers’ race suits and team apparel throughout the Suzuka weekend.
Third Team to Go Special at Suzuka
Mercedes is the third team to unveil a one-off livery design for the Japanese Grand Prix. Racing Bulls introduced the most dramatic transformation with a Red Bull Spring Edition livery designed alongside Japanese calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi, while Haas turned heads with a Godzilla-themed design born from a season-long partnership with TOHO CO., LTD.
The trend of teams presenting unique liveries at Suzuka reflects the growing cultural significance of the Japanese Grand Prix and the desire to connect with one of Formula 1’s most passionate fanbases.
Mercedes Arrives in Dominant Form
The Silver Arrows head to Suzuka in imperious form. After two races, Mercedes holds a perfect record — two pole positions and two victories, with Russell and Antonelli sharing the spoils.
Russell leads the Drivers’ Championship with 51 points, four clear of Antonelli on 47. In the Constructors’ standings, Mercedes commands a 31-point lead over Ferrari, making them the only team to have claimed a pole position or race win so far in 2026.
The W17 has shown no weaknesses through the opening rounds, and Suzuka’s high-speed, technically demanding layout could play further into Mercedes’ hands as the team looks to head into the five-week mid-season break on top.
