13 February 2026Racingnews365Race reportDriver Ratings
Russell warns Red Bull’s “pretty scary” advantage ahead of 2026 season
Mercedes driver George Russell says Red Bull’s power unit is a half‑to‑one‑second per‑lap advantage in testing, making the gap “pretty scary” and shifting focus from Mercedes’ engine controversy.
George Russell says Red Bull’s 2026 package is a “pretty scary” advantage after Bahrain testing showed the Austrian team up to a second per lap faster than rivals. He attributes the gap to a highly efficient power unit, aggressive energy deployment and low‑drag aerodynamics.
Why it matters:
- The lead could let Red Bull dominate the championship, forcing Mercedes to accelerate development.
- A clear performance gap reshapes paddock priorities, with other teams chasing a power‑unit solution that matches Ford‑backed efficiency.
The details:
- Red Bull built a brand‑new Ford‑partnered power unit that posted the highest thermal efficiency in pre‑season tests.
- Russell noted the straight‑line speed comes from a potent ICE, superior energy‑recovery and low drag, not just aero tweaks.
- Sister team Racing Bulls, using the same engine, posted identical straight‑line times, confirming the power‑unit’s impact.
What’s next:
Mercedes is expected to clarify its compression‑ratio approach and introduce upgrades in the coming weeks, while Red Bull will focus on reliability and converting raw speed into race wins. The early gap points to a Red Bull‑vs‑Mercedes duel for the 2026 title.