Mercedes downplays 2026 favorite status, rules out repeat of past dominance
Mercedes has pushed back against predictions labeling it the 2026 favorite, ruling out a repeat of its past dominant rule-change advantages. Engineering chief Andrew Shovlin emphasizes the unprecedented scale of the new regulations and a leveled playing field under the cost cap, insisting the team maintains a 'catch-up' mentality despite external expectations.
Mercedes has dismissed suggestions it will enter the 2026 Formula 1 season with a dominant technical or engine advantage akin to its 2014 supremacy or Brawn GP's 2009 breakthrough, despite being widely tipped by rivals as the team to beat. The Brackley squad acknowledges the immense challenge of the new regulations and maintains a mindset of playing catch-up rather than assuming a front-running position.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents the most comprehensive technical reset in F1 history, featuring all-new cars with active aerodynamics and a revised power unit formula. Mercedes's history of capitalizing on such major rule changes—first as Brawn GP in 2009 and then with its own dominant V6 hybrid engine in 2014—has naturally made it a focal point for speculation. However, the team's public downplaying of expectations highlights the increased competitiveness under the cost cap era, where resource advantages are minimized and the entire grid has learned from past mistakes.
The details:
- Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin explicitly rejected the 'favorite' tag, stating the perception is "not coming from Mercedes." He pointed out that rival teams have learned from history to prevent any single squad from gaining a decisive early advantage.
- Shovlin revealed the team is facing a tight timeline, with the first pre-season test in Barcelona just eight weeks away. He admitted there is "a huge amount of work to do" and currently "not a lot of car" to show at the factory.
- The cost cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions (ATR) have fundamentally changed the development landscape. Shovlin noted that teams lower in the previous year's constructors' standings have more wind tunnel time, which can offset the experience of top teams.
- The scale of the change is unprecedented. Shovlin emphasized that the 2026 cars represent the most comprehensive overhaul across a regulation set, including a significant Electronic Control Unit (ECU) change that adds to the operational complexity.
What's next:
Mercedes will unveil its W17 challenger ahead of a rigorous pre-season testing schedule. The first test will be a private, behind-closed-doors session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30, followed by public sessions in Bahrain in February. The team's stated philosophy is to enter the season with a "catch-up" mentality, a mindset Shovlin credits for its past championship successes. With reigning champions McLaren and other ambitious teams also targeting the new rules, the battle to define the pecking order for the next era of F1 begins in earnest this winter.