Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
As Mercedes revel in their fantastic start to the 2026 season, things could get even better during the upcoming gap in the F1 calendar.
Mercedes couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season. Across both races and the sprint, Mercedes have delivered a one-two each time.
Kimi Antonelli’s win at the Chinese Grand Prix was the latest in a long list of success stories for the German side this season.
The plaudits go to Kimi Antonelli, but who else in the top 10 impressed you at the Chinese Grand Prix?
Let us know in the comments below!
After the Chinese Grand Prix, Toto Wolff called Mercedes’ podium with Lewis Hamilton a career highlight, showing just how thrilled he was with the outcome.
But after this weekend, Mercedes will be expecting other teams to catch up, owing to the five-week break caused by the cancellations of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff told Kimi Antonelli to ‘stop with this nonsense’ during annoyed Chinese GP radio message
Mercedes could reap rewards of unique FIA ruling during season hiatus
Motorsport Italia’s Franco Nugnes spoke after the Chinese Grand Prix about the ramifications of the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Nugnes admitted that, should the FIA rule that teams cannot make any changes to their cars during this unplanned five-week hiatus, it would give Mercedes a massive advantage over the other teams in the field.
“For Mercedes, the advantage is that they can have this engine for longer if it is decreed that teams must not make any changes during this five-week gap. So it is an engine they could use in FP1 on Friday in different ways and scenarios.”
Now, it should be noted that it’s highly unlikely that the FIA will issue any such decree, as it could severely limit the competitiveness of teams once racing resumes in May.
On top of that, this hypothetical benefit gets nullified when you look at the alternative, and far more likely outcome of this hiatus.
READ MORE: Peter Bonnington explains the ‘different vibe’ of working with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli
A decision has now been made by the FIA on the two races in the Middle East
Mercedes could miss out on additional points opportunities with cancelled races
Nugnes then looked to the far more likely outcome, suggesting that teams would use the hiatus to work on their cars and get it on the level of the Mercedes, or at least as close as possible.
“Obviously, by not having two races where they could theoretically score more one-two finishes, the opportunity to widen the gap on the others is clearly not in their favour.”
“It certainly plays into the hands of all the other teams who will use this month to exploit as many development opportunities as they can.”
“Fewer travel costs, and more opportunities, if anything, to transfer some budget to the development of the cars. So it’s a political game, and I think this month will be important.”
While the unexpected hiatus in the season is unfortunate, for reasons beyond racing itself, it could prove to be a leveller for teams struggling behind Mercedes, and to a lesser extent, Ferrari.
When racing resumes in Miami, we could see a far more competitive field, with the likes of McLaren and Red Bull raring to show off their hard work.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
