Bernie Collins thinks Mercedes have a 2026 engine advantage none of their F1 rivals can replicate

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Mercedes are heading into the 2026 knowing that it’s their best chance to compete for a championship in some time.

Over the last few seasons, the Silver Arrows have struggled to get to grips with the ground-effect era, and are now prepared to take a step into the unknown with the 2026 F1 regulations.

With the exception of the last rules, Mercedes are usually quite reliable when it comes to producing a fast car when big changes come into action.

They now have a real chance to give George Russell the tools to fight for his maiden drivers’ championship. He has been patient and earned the opportunity.

Are we entering another era of Mercedes engine domination?

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Mercedes are excited about their 2026 F1 car, and it’s something they will have spent some considerable time trying to develop.

They didn’t push their 2025 car too far. Mercedes staff are ‘immediately’ shutting down talk over 2026 and any build-up of expectation. Unnecessary pressure won’t help them.

READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli reveals his stance on driving for Ferrari if he leaves Mercedes

Bernie Collins expects Mercedes to have sizeable engine data advantage over their F1 rivals

Toto Wolff thinks Russell is the ‘clear’ most underrated driver on the grid, and his achievements this year warranted a contract extension.

Over the summer, they had a bit of a contract stand-off, and it looked as though there was a genuine chance that Max Verstappen would join the German manufacturer.

Damon Hill thinks Russell can win the 2026 title if he gets the right level of support from his team. Having a one-year deal isn’t likely to inspire him too much.

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But Bernie Collins believes that Mercedes do have a big advantage over their rivals heading into the new season. It could be crucial.

“I think the status quo will change amongst the teams because I think it’ll be who – someone will get the engine right, and someone will get the engine wrong,” she told the F1 Show Podcast. “I think the perception is that Mercedes-engineered teams will rise to the top.

“But we don’t know. We’ve not compared them against each other. If nothing else, they’ve got three teams that they’re supplying, so they’re going to learn a lot faster than Honda, who only supply one team.”

READ MORE: George Russell recalls the moment he knew he could become F1 world champion with Mercedes

Why Mercedes might struggle to win an F1 title in 2026

Even if Mercedes burst out of the blocks with a fast car, they’re competing against the likes of McLaren, who have been in form for some time, and Max Verstappen.

Red Bull think Mercedes have a ‘very large advantage’ and are expecting them to be about as good as they were between 2014 and 2021.

Ferrari are under pressure and almost have to start winning races if certain personnel are to keep their jobs.

It creates an interesting dynamic at the sharp end of the grid. The new regulations could completely transform the outlook of the championship.