Mercedes have attracted the most attention in the build-up to this week’s Barcelona shakedown. The 2026 Mercedes engine has been at the centre of most conversations in F1 circles over recent weeks.
By drivers and news outlets alike, the German power unit is expected to set the standard. The team’s impressive 67-lap programme at their Silverstone filming day (far exceeding the mileage of any other team) further solidified this belief.
Of course, making accurate conclusions in pre-season is always difficult. Then again, this does not prevent narratives from forming. George Russell is no doubt aware of this – as he downplays suggestions that Mercedes are in a dominant position.
George Russell gives first impressions of W17 in Barcelona
The 2026 regulations will push teams to the limit of performance and reliability. At least, this was the general expectation heading into this year’s campaign.
Generally speaking, reliability is still expected to become a far bigger issue than it has in previous years. Mechanical, hydraulic, electric and power-unit issues will give engineers across the paddock plenty of headaches.
With that said, Mercedes started their week in Barcelona by completing 95 laps without any problems. Both in today’s running and their Silverstone filming day, Toto Wolff’s team have affirmed the consensus about the reliability of their power units.
Speaking after his first run in the W17, Russell was complimentary of this new generation of cars:
“It was amazing just to be back out, driving again. I think at the end of the year, everyone is sort of looking forward to a break. But then after a week or two, you’re sort of raring to go again.
“Obviously there was a lot of anticipation for these new power units. Generally, on the whole, the amount of power they give is pretty impressive.
“I think for all the cars I was watching today, for all the power units, probably the quickest I’ve ever seen a car pass here in Barcelona. So that was pretty exciting to see, and the cars do generally feel – like you feel it being smaller.
“You can feel that weight reduction compared to previous years. So I think from that aspect as well, it’s gone in a good direction.
There has been extensive debate about whether the 2026 regulations will facilitate better racing. Such trepidations are inevitably when such a comprehensive set of changes are being implemented.
Despite these concerns, Russell insists 2026 could be an opportunity for better racing.
“It is very different to be honest, but once you wrap your head around it, it feels quite intuitive, to be honest. So I think from the fan’s perspective, there is definitely an opportunity to see more exciting.
“And I don’t think you potentially will see some of the negatives we may feel from the car, in terms of the recharge. Of course, that’s going to evolve so much over time… (cont. on next page.)
