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All eyes will be on the Circuit de Catalunya this week as the 2026 Formula 1 cars take to the track for the first official shakedown. Perhaps more attention will be placed on Mercedes.
No one knows what the pecking order is right now, or will be by the end of testing in Barcelona, but rumours are suggesting that the Silver Arrows have the upper hand. Mercedes are backed to have the fastest engine in 2026.
Not to mention Mercedes have found a loophole in the 2026 F1 regulations with the compression ratio of the power unit. They, along with Red Bull, have found a way to produce more horsepower and gain three tenths per lap.
Are Mercedes the team to beat in 2026? They’ve completed 10 laps more than anyone else at testing after 90 minutes…
Rather alarmingly, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has ‘no idea’ about Mercedes’ engine loophole and the advantage they may have found. He does not understand the severity of the issue, with the other manufacturers planning to protest.
Naturally, this will put Mercedes and their customer teams at an advantage and could see George Russell and Kimi Antonelli fighting for the championship. While they have downplayed their findings in Brackley, the team are already playing mind games.
Mercedes gain a ‘little source of pride’ from silly competition with Audi in the Barcelona test
Before heading to Barcelona for the first official pre-season test, the Silver Arrows ran a shakedown of the W17 at Silverstone. There, Mercedes were seen to have something ‘groundbreaking’ on the car that is said to dramatically improve aerodynamic performance.
Russell and Antonelli will be going into the Circuit de Catalunya wanting to register as much mileage in the W17 as possible before heading to Bahrain. It also seems that they intend to intimidate their rivals.
The first day of testing in Barcelona kicked off at 9 am on Monday, and according to journalist Chris Medland, it was Antonelli who was the first to leave the garage.
The Italian beat Gabriel Bortoleto and Audi as the first car on track. As Medland wrote via BlueSky, there was ‘always going to be a little source of pride between Mercedes and Audi’ as to which of the German manufacturers would get out on track first.
It is quite a silly competition and not one to shout about, but it is an early victory nonetheless for Mercedes, and one that could unnerve Audi slightly ahead of their first pre-season test.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage
How are Audi feeling going into the Barcelona test?
While attention will be on Mercedes, given they are supposed to be the fastest manufacturer, eyes will also be on Audi. The German outfit are coming to F1 as a new team and engine supplier under the new regulations.
The 2026 rule changes are primarily why Audi are joining the grid, and there are already huge expectations externally and internally. Audi want to win the title by 2030, but they have a long way to go before they can realistically think about achieving that.
Can Audi go all the way by 2030? 🏆
Taking over from Sauber, the team will have to build from the ground up and get their development right in 2026. Audi accidentally revealed their actual car during their livery presentation, which showed a ‘striking’ nose design that rival teams have not adopted.
Mileage will be critical for the team heading into the season opener in Melbourne, but early signs have not been encouraging. Audi’s first shakedown was not a success, according to Mattia Binotto, as they are still facing problems with development.
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