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Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has explained why Mercedes have a ‘harder job’ than other teams despite their early-season dominance.
The Silver Arrows have made a flying start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, having dominated the first three races.
Mercedes currently sit top of the standings on 135 points, 45 clear of second-placed Ferrari.
Due to Mercedes’ superior performances, it looks like the world title will be decided between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with the former currently leading by nine points.
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Otmar Szafnauer says Mercedes have a ‘harder job’ than other teams in 2026
Despite their early dominance, Szafnauer has claimed that Mercedes actually have a ‘harder job’ than other teams on the grid.
The American, who was the team principal of Alpine from 2022 to 2023, explained that Mercedes have to think on their feet to improve, but rivals could copy their methods to catch up.
Szafnauer said on the High Performance Racing podcast: “Significant difference, from Mercedes and the rest of them, is the rest of them can look at the Mercedes and say ‘Ah, that’s what they’ve done to get to this level’.
“Mercedes can’t look at anybody and say, ‘Ah, what do I do next?’ They have got to creatively think of what is coming next to go faster. Everyone else can look, and they catch up quicker.
“The other ones that aren’t there, they learn from Mercedes or from Ferrari. That’s what Adrian Newey does, walking around the grid, every car, he is learning something.
“Mercedes, they are just out there, you’re right, in 18 months, the Mercedes will be much quicker, but they have nobody to look at to learn. It’s a harder job for them.”
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Ferrari are looking to bring the fight to Mercedes
Although Mercedes look far superior to their rivals, teams have been working around the clock during the April break to close the gap.
Ahead of next week’s Miami Grand Prix, it has been claimed that Ferrari are set to bring a much-changed SF-26.
According to Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera, Ferrari are ‘expected to bring at least half a modified car’ to Miami, which will include a new front wing and an ‘advanced’ chassis.
Looking ahead, if Ferrari do manage to get their upgrades working, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could start challenging Antonelli and Russell for race victories.
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