Heading into the 2026 regulations, there is plenty of conversation about engines. With new power units set to debut in 2026, the differences between different manufacturers could be pivotal. According to James Vowles, there is reason to be confident about the progress at Mercedes.
Mercedes expected to deliver a top power unit in 2026
Over the last few seasons, the performance of F1 engine manufacturers has been fairly equal. Honda, Mercedes and Ferrari have all produced engines that are performing at a similar level.
The only power unit currently lagging behind is Renault, which has triggered Alpine’s decision to become a customer team in 2026.
Alpine making the choice to abandon Renault engines ahead of 2026, likely in favour of Mercedes power, is an example of an increasingly clear paddock consensus – Mercedes should have a top engine for the new regulations.
Considering their track record, this would hardly be a surprising revelation.
Speaking in the Beyond The Grid Podcast, Williams team principal James Vowles offered his analysis of the upcoming 2026 regulations:
“I think Mercedes have done an exceptional job, which is why I was very happy to resign back up for an extension.
“And I think you’re going to see differences between power units that do not exist today.
“Today, pretty much all the power units are much of a muchness. I think that will change in 2026, and you’ll see a difference between the power units.
“I just don’t think it will be at the levels you saw in 2014, where there was such a wide spread throughout the field.”
Engines to become a difference-maker once again
Of course, the Silver Arrows are not the only team working on producing an elite power unit. Honda and Ferrari have proven capable of leading in this area, delivering competitive engines in recent seasons.
Generally speaking, Honda are understood to have made (by a small margin) the best F1 engine since 2022.
In combination with the arrival of new manufacturers like Audi, there are no guarantees for any teams when 2026 arrives. With that said, it is increasingly clear that the work being done at Mercedes is inspiring tremendous confidence.
Alex Albon has spoken previously this year about the certainty that having a Mercedes engine brings for 2026. Toto Wolff’s squad are no strangers to starting a new set of regulations strongly, with their dominance in 2014 largely thanks to their superior power unit.
After a series of frustrating seasons, the factories in Brackley and Brixworth are working to return to the top
