Mercedes announced a major new sponsorship agreement with Microsoft on Thursday as the team revealed the first images of their W17 Formula 1 car, which they hope will propel them back to championship-winning form this season.

Microsoft branding features prominently on the mostly silver-and-black car, appearing on the airbox and front wing. While no financial figures were disclosed, Sky News cited an unnamed sponsorship expert who suggested the deal could be worth as much as $60 million per year.

The unveiling comes ahead of pre-season testing, with Mercedes set to begin running the W17 in Barcelona next week. The test takes place amid speculation that the team may have identified a loophole in the new engine regulations that could give them an advantage over rivals, including Ferrari. Mercedes also supply power units to McLaren, Williams and Renault-owned Alpine in addition to their factory squad.

Mercedes will host an online launch event on February 2, followed by two further pre-season tests in Bahrain before the campaign begins at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.

Separately, the team confirmed that 22-year-old French driver Doriane Pin, the reigning F1 Academy champion, will take on a development role this season. Pin will work extensively in the simulator, carry out additional factory duties and attend several grands prix trackside.

Mercedes finished second in the constructors’ championship last season behind McLaren. British driver George Russell claimed two race victories, while Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli secured three podium finishes and became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to set a fastest lap.

The team dominated the sport between 2014 and 2021, winning eight consecutive constructors’ titles, before Red Bull and later McLaren emerged as the teams to beat.