The big question for the new 2026 regulations is which teams will hit the ground running. Not just from an aerodynamic perspective, but also in terms of power unit efficiency. As it stands, Mercedes are seen as favourites to lead the field when the next engines kick into gear.
Can Mercedes hit two birds with one stone?
A consistent theme across the next few months will be how successfully teams can balance their short and medium-term objectives.
In short, teams face the challenge of staying competitive in 2025 whilst also working on the next generation of F1 cars. This challenge is particularly difficult for manufacturer teams like Mercedes, who are also developing brand new power units.
Over the last three F1 seasons, engines have been relatively similar – both in terms of reliability and performance.
Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda’s power units are all within a tenths of each other, producing similar horsepower and harvesting electrical energy with similar rates of effectiveness. Even Renault, whose engine is currently the worst on the grid, only lose 2-3 tenths per lap to immediate rivals.
Whilst this is a notable difference, it is far from catastrophic. In twelve months time, however, the sheer volume of regulatory changes introduced means that power units across the field are likely to be separated by bigger margins.
Audi, for example, anticipate they will be playing catch-up in 2026 with their power unit. Mattia Binotto has spoken candidly about this topic, citing the need for greater recruitment at the German manufacturer.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Mercedes are generally trusted to produce a front-running engine.
Speaking after last season’s conclusion, Toto Wolff made clear that the Brackley squad aim to optimise both 2025 and 2026:
“This is the crux of the matter every year,” he told Autosport.
“Especially if you have such a big regulatory change- are you going to compromise one year or the other?
“But I’d like to take it from Niki’s [Lauda] motto, when being asked. ‘Would you rather win this one or the next one?’ And he says – both.”
Mercedes engine crucial to Alpine switch
Even if Toto Wolff intends to give adequate attention to this year’s development, Mercedes should still be expected to spend most of their resources this year on their 2026 car.
The Silver Arrows know better than most about the importance of starting a new regulatory cycle on the front foot. After all, their dominance began in 2024 – in large part – thanks to their superior engine.
Speaking of which, Alpine’s decision to abandon Renault power was influenced by their expectations for Mercedes in 2026.
Flavio Briatore has explained on numerous occasions that the switch to Mercedes engines will guarantee better performance when the next generation of cars arrive.
“In 2026, we will get the best engine and the best transmission in this business from Mercedes,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.
Elsewhere on the grid, other Mercedes customer teams are also confident. Alex Albon, for example, explained why Williams are happy to be using the German team’s engines:
“I think Mercedes time and time again, when it comes to these regulation changes, they seem to be one step ahead of their rivals,” he explained to Total Motorsport.
“Not to say I don’t think other teams will do a good job, but I think it’s [Mercedes power] at least a safe bet.”
