---
title: "See the Differences Between the 2017 and 2018 Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Cars"
description: "With the Formula 1 season-opening race just one week away, it's a great time to review the 2018 changes."
date: "2018-03-18"
modified: "2018-03-18"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19341/see-the-differences-between-the-2017-and-2018-mercedes-amg-formula-1-cars"
categories:
  - "F1"
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
tags:
  - "Formula 1"
  - "Lewis Hamilton"
  - "Mercedes-AMG"
  - "Mercedes-AMG"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
  - "Toto Wolff"
  - "Valtteri Bottas"
---

# See the Differences Between the 2017 and 2018 Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Cars

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/m147567-e1519309680188.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

[Formula 1 teams](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18973/formula-1-teams-were-paid-way-less-in-2017-under-liberty-medias-ruling>) don't wait until the off-season to start talking (or complaining) about the upcoming season's rules and regulation changes. In fact, they sometimes do so years in advanced, as the process of creating or modifying an FIA rulebook can be extremely lengthy. But, have you ever gotten a clear visual of what most of these changes actually look like in a Formula 1 car?

This [video](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfBOxwSNg6s>) created by the Mercedes-AMG crew sheds some light on the most important changes that affected the car's design and performance due to the 2018 regulations. Perhaps the coolest characteristic of the video is the fact that it's narrated by the team's Technical Director James Allison, who is accompanied by the [2018 and 2017 race cars](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18701/this-is-the-mercedes-w09-formula-1-car>) as he explains the differences between the two.

Of course, right off the bat, he starts with the most noticeable regulatory change for 2018, which is the Halo safety device. A close-up of the structure reveals just how sturdy the construction of it is, as well as how neat its high-tech composition looks from up-close. Another important and quite noticeable change in design is the [engine cover fin](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/14286/mercedes-amgs-f1-engine-has-cracked-50-percent-thermal-efficiency-report-says>) and T-Wing, which adorned the backs of all Formula 1 race cars during the 2017 season.

https://youtube.com/embed/nfBOxwSNg6s

A championship-leading team like Mercedes-AMG doesn't rest on its laurels and cruise through the winter hoping that the rest of the field doesn't catch up to them. As a result, Allison gives an in-depth explanation of the aero work performed to the side pods, the underbody, and other aerodynamic elements that help produce downforce and dissipate heat. Another important change for 2018 was raising the suspension components, as higher wishbones allow for better airflow around the sculpted bodywork.

Considering Mercedes-AMG completed a trouble-free [pre-season testing program](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19116/alonso-trails-fastest-man-kimi-raikkonen-on-final-day-of-f1-testing>) in Barcelona, we have no doubt that these changes are already edging them closer to another Constructors' World Championship.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)