Mercedes‑AMG Petronas announced a one‑off, Malaysia‑themed livery for its W17 chassis ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking the first time the team will run a special colour scheme linked to the sport’s upcoming return to the Asian market. The design, revealed in a gallery on Formula1.com, incorporates the iconic red and white of the Malaysian flag alongside subtle nods to the country’s cultural motifs, such as batik‑style patterns along the sidepods.
The special livery arrives at a pivotal moment for Formula 1, as the sport prepares to re‑enter Malaysia with a new race slated for 2025. While the Bahrain GP remains the season‑opening round, the visual tribute serves as a promotional bridge, reminding fans worldwide that a Malaysian Grand Prix is on the horizon. Mercedes’ decision mirrors previous special‑livery launches by other teams that have celebrated national milestones, such as Ferrari’s 2023 Saudi Arabian tribute and Red Bull’s 2024 Mexican flag scheme.
Technical director James Allison confirmed that the livery will not affect the car’s performance, emphasizing that the paintwork is purely cosmetic. "We’re excited to showcase a design that honours Malaysia’s passion for motorsport," he said in a statement quoted by Formula1.com. The team also hinted that the special scheme could appear on merchandise, giving Indian fans a chance to grab limited‑edition gear through the official Mercedes‑F1 store.
For Indian fans
The Bahrain Grand Prix will be broadcast live in India on FanCode at 12:30 IST on 6 March, with pre‑race analysis on the same platform. Viewers can expect to see the new livery during the opening laps, and the race will be followed by a post‑race debrief on the FanCode studio, where Indian pundits will discuss the design’s impact on the team’s branding strategy. The special paintwork also offers a fresh visual cue for Indian audiences who follow the championship closely, especially as the sport’s calendar expands further into Asia.
Source: Formula1.com
