Anthony Davidson says Ferrari’s smaller turbo will make them a threat to Mercedes after Australia

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Ferrari have been labelled as a team to watch at future Formula 1 rounds after disappointing qualifying in Melbourne.

At the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes have stolen the headlines as they claimed first and second on the starting grid for the opening race of the year, as George Russell claimed pole position.

However, after testing in Bahrain, Ferrari were labelled as the team to beat after they put together good qualifying runs and race runs at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Ferrari struggled in qualifying as Charles Leclerc put himself in fourth, and Lewis Hamilton qualified in seventh place. But a reason for their struggles has been given by someone close to Mercedes.

How long will Ferrari need to catch Mercedes?

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Anthony Davidson says ‘look out for Ferrari at other circuits’

After the opening qualifying session of the 2026 season, Anthony Davidson discussed the difference between Ferrari and Mercedes at Albert Park.

When discussing the differences on Sky Sports, Davidson explained that Mercedes are benefiting from their larger turbo in Melbourne as the circuit drains energy quicker than others.

However, he went on to state that Ferrari will be closer to Mercedes at future circuits that are ‘like Bahrain’ as their smaller turbos will work better.

Davidson said, “The Ferrari looked very good in Bahrain, and it is such a different track to what we have here; this is severely energy limited this track in Melbourne.

“Most tracks on the calendar are like that of Bahrain, so bear that in mind, as it will help the cars with smaller turbos. This track it is more beneficial to have a bigger turbo, so look out for Ferrari at other circuits.”

Here’s your Australian Grand Prix starting grid

How many of these drivers will finish the race?

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Lewis Hamilton continues to question Mercedes’ 2026 engine

After the first qualifying session of the season, Hamilton was quick to question Mercedes’ 2026 Formula 1 engine as he discussed the compression ratio once again.

Hamilton stated that Ferrari have a two-tenth advantage through power per sector, the British driver then went on to mention the compression ratio advantage Mercedes may have, “If it is a compression thing, I want to understand why the FIA haven’t done anything and what’s being done to rectify it.”

Martin Brundle and Bernie Collins went on to react to Hamilton’s comments about his former team’s newest engine and the compression ratio row that has continued from testing.

“I think the whole thing is a storm in a cylinder, to be honest,” said Brundle. Collins went on to add, “Four teams are running this engine. If it was just down to compression ratio, we’d just have those four teams at the top of the standings.”