Over the last few days, Adrian Newey’s addition to Aston Martin’s project has dominated F1 news. However, rivals elsewhere in the field are also working diligently towards 2026. Among the biggest contenders are Mercedes, who are confident about replicating their success from previous regulations.
Allison: Mercedes are working intensely on their next power units
With the engines currently used in F1, the difference between manufacturers is relatively small. Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda have all produced power units that are at a similar level.
Renault are the only significant outlier in terms of horsepower, and even then, their deficit is negligible compared to what most teams experienced in 2014.
When the hybrid era began in 2014, the Mercedes engine blew the competition out of the water. Whilst their aerodynamic philosophy was solid, it was their power unit that created such a huge advantage over Red Bull and Ferrari.
Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations, the Silver Arrows are hopeful of producing the best engine once more.
Allison: The feeling is similar to before 2014
James Allison explained the team’s progress and general optimism earlier in the season:
“I wasn’t in the team in the run-up to 2014, when the new generation of power units were being concocted,” outlined the Mercedes Technical Director.
“But those of us in the team who were, tell me that the feeling is very similar.
“There is a massive shove going on in HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] to make a success of that.
“Because it will set the course of anyone who’s lucky enough to have that in the back of their car for some seasons to come.”
Over half the grid in 2026 will run their own engines, thanks to new manufacturers like Audi entering the mix. Given that the upcoming regulations represent such a big change, differences between power units could tip the scales.
For Mercedes, a team with an established and immensely successful engine department, this is a golden opportunity.
Toto Wolff’s team understand that setting a strong foundation from 2026 is essential to their long-term success. The arrival of Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell is evidence of the team’s willingness to invest in the future.
Therefore, the next eighteen months will be critical for Mercedes to begin the next era of F1 on the front foot. As James Allison mentioned, their success will also directly impact their customers.
Alex Albon has already expressed confidence that Mercedes power can give Williams a huge advantage in 2026.
Time will tell if the paddock consensus about the German manufacturer’s progress is accurate.
