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Max Verstappen will be expecting a firm challenge from the Mercedes-backed team in 2026 amid rumours that they will have the fastest power unit under the new regulations.
Even before teams began development for the 2026 season, rumours were emerging that Mercedes would have the fastest engine. Many feared that it could be a repeat of the 2014 rule changes, where the Silver Arrows aced the new regulations and dominated the sport.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have been putting the W17 through its paces in pre-season testing, with the former topping the timesheets on day one of the second week in Bahrain. Mercedes are clearly looking strong, but their rivals are looking to fight.
George Russell starts Week 2 at the 2026 F1 Bahrain test on top! But what stood out the most?
Red Bull are supplying their own engines in 2026, with Laurent Mekies’ team working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the power unit ready. McLaren CEO Zak Brown was surprised by Red Bull during the Barcelona shakedown, but Verstappen is not too impressed with the new car.
The Dutchman has referred to the new regulations as ‘Formula E on steroids’, due to the electrification of the power unit and how different it is to drive from the previous ruleset. Liberty Media have been ‘highly agitated’ by Verstappen’s comments as it will not reflect well on the sport.
Max Verstappen says any ‘good team’ with Mercedes engines will ‘do well in 2026
Despite his criticism, it would be asinine to count Verstappen out of the title picture in 2026 and say that he will not give his all to achieve a fifth world championship.
But the Red Bull star is fully aware that the Mercedes-backed teams will be strong this season, especially in the wake of the FIA compression ratio controversy. Verstappen issued his prediction for the teams on the Up To Speed podcast.
Asked for his predictions for the 2026 season, he simply said: “Well, personally, I think any good team with a Mercedes engine will do well.”
What Verstappen means by ‘good team’ is open for interpretation, but it would be natural to assume that Mercedes and McLaren will be the top performers. But Williams and Alpine could also mount a challenge.
Williams have had a difficult start to testing after missing the Barcelona shakedown, but they are now starting to show good signs of reliability. After shutting down their own factory, Alpine will be hoping for a resurgence after finishing last in 2025.
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Max Verstappen details his relationship with new Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar
Another new challenge that Verstappen will face in 2026 is his seventh different teammate since 2018. Isack Hadjar will partner with him at Red Bull after an impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls in 2025.
Asked about how his relationship is with the Frenchman at Red Bull, he replied:”Of course, you work together, and we haven’t really done that much yet, right?
“He’s great, honestly, he’s a very nice guy, and, of course, when you’re just heading into your second year, you are in a very different, probably state of mind, where probably for me, going into my 12th season, you’re a bit more relaxed about things.
Is Hadjar a better fit for Red Bull than Lawson or Tsunoda?
“You are a bit more, I mean, not laid back, but: ‘This is testing, go step by step, work with the people.’ So even when he’s in the car, I’m not going to stand there in the garage watching every single detail.
“I will just watch from the back, a bit more relaxed, like I’m doing actually right now, I’m not even at the track!
“So it’s a bit different, but honestly, at the end of the day, we just have to try and make the car go as fast as we can and I’m really confident that we will do that. We got along absolutely fine.”
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