How Mercedes staff keep responding to claims that their 2026 Formula 1 car is ‘looking good’

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Since the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, people in the paddock have been talking about how strong Mercedes are expected to be next season.

There are only eight race weekends left in the 2025 F1 season before everything in the paddock changes.

Every team is now fully focused on the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, which some are suggesting are the biggest changes made to the sport’s ruleset in its 75-year history.

Engine manufacturers are building brand new power units, the aerodynamics of the cars are changing, and this is likely to establish a new pecking order.

There will also be an 11th team on the grid for the first time in more than a decade, as Cadillac prepare to make their Formula 1 debut.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will have very high hopes for next season.

The ground effect era hasn’t been kind to the Silver Arrows, as they’ve gone from dominating the sport with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas, to challenging for the odd win and the occasional podium.

George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli aren’t officially confirmed for next season, although Wolff has verbally indicated that they’ll still be with Mercedes.

Whispers in the paddock suggest Mercedes will have the best power unit in 2026; however, staff within the team aren’t sure where these rumours are coming from.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Mercedes staff downplaying suggestions they’ll have the best power unit for the 2026 F1 season

Journalist Rebecca Clancy was discussing the McLaren title battle on the Inside the Piranha Club Podcast, and divulged: “Another thing I’ve been thinking about with this is because this is the last year with these cars. In 2026, we get an enormous rule change.

“No one really has any idea about what’s happening next season and who’s ahead.

“Loads and loads of chat about Mercedes are looking good. And then you talk to Mercedes about it, and they keep saying, ‘How does anyone know what’s going on?’

“So, if you’re Oscar Piastri, they obviously know a lot more about what’s happening next year with the McLaren, but they don’t know where it stands against the other teams.

“So, he could be thinking, ‘This is it. This might be my one and only shot.’

“So, if I p— off the team, so be it. I’m walking away with a championship.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff from net worth to wife

When will Mercedes confirm George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 F1 season?

One of the biggest unknowns, which isn’t really an unknown, is what Mercedes’ driver line-up will look like in 2026.

There are currently six seats that haven’t been confirmed for next season, one at Alpine, three within the Red Bull family and two at Mercedes.

Russell still has concerns about his future marketing commitments, which might be slowing down contract negotiations.

The four-time race winner will want his status as number one within the team set in stone; however, Mercedes’ long-term interest in Max Verstappen may further complicate matters.

On the other side of the garage, Wolff has provided some harsh words for Antonelli after an underwhelming Italian Grand Prix.

However, there’s no suggestion that he’ll be moved on any time soon, but it’s still not clear when either driver will be confirmed for 2026.