Why Mercedes’ praise of Red Bull’s F1 engine may not tell the full story

Formula 1’s 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix currently looks like a race nobody wants to win.
Of course, that’s not the case, but it jokingly underlines that, at this stage of the pre-season, everyone is keen to avoid the role of clear favourite.
Although that has always been the game during F1 testing, this year it is going to extreme lengths. On the very first day in Bahrain …Keep reading

Aston Martin confirms it’s “not at the level” of other teams after tough F1 test

Aston Martin is firmly aware that it’s “not at the level” of other Formula 1 teams after a very disappointing start to pre-season testing, says Mike Krack. 
This year has introduced widespread regulation changes meaning much of the 2026 pecking order is unknown, but one thing which is clear is Aston Martin being comfortably behind. 
The Silverstone outfit is just enduring one problem …Keep reading

McLaren: Ferrari and Mercedes are top of early F1 2026 pecking order

McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella admitted Mercedes and Ferrari “were quicker than us” in race simulations at the first pre-season test in Bahrain, and also believes Red Bull will be in the mix.
As teams dug into long runs on Thursday and Friday, the fog of war surrounding pre-season testing was lifted little by little. While there are still a lot of question marks over the exact pecking …Keep reading