Mercedes arrives for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a great deal of confidence, but still with doubts about the reliability of its car. The Brackley team has been tipped as the favorite by many for the season opener at the Australian GP on March 08, mainly due to changes in power unit regulations, but some critical points emerged during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
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According to former Formula 1 driver and current commentator, Jolyon Palmer, the team seems to be ‘oozing confidence’ as the start of the season approaches. However, he warns that concerns about engine reliability are still a ‘question mark’. Mercedes had to make several power unit changes during testing, which raised some doubts about the durability of its engine.
Despite this, George Russell was the driver who completed the most laps in pre-season testing, demonstrating the team’s consistency and pace. Palmer also noted that the Briton is visibly positive and optimistic, always with a smile on his face: “He is beaming wherever he goes,” Palmer said of Russell.
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One aspect that stands out is that while other teams were focused on race simulations and long test runs, Mercedes followed a different strategy. The team preferred not to worry so much about performance simulations, prioritizing other aspects: “I think the main thing, for me, is that the Mercedes car looks good on track. They are quite relaxed, and Russell, for example, is always smiling,” Palmer added.
Despite some drivers expressing criticism regarding the new regulations, a positive attitude prevails at Mercedes: “They haven’t done many ‘long runs’, but they are very happy with what they have,” the former driver added.
