Sky Sports activities technique analyst Bernie Collins says Mercedes might doubtlessly have a decisive benefit in F1 in 2026.
The Silver Arrow has already been tipped by many as an early favourite for F1’s regulatory overhaul, which can introduce new energy models and aerodynamic guidelines in 2026.
Mercedes handed the earlier guidelines cycle in 2014 with its V6 hybrid-era engine, successful an unprecedented eight consecutive constructors’ championships and 7 drivers’ titles.
Collins believes Mercedes-powered groups are prone to rise to the highest, and pinpointed the important thing benefit Mercedes has over PU producers.
“I feel issues will change between groups as a result of I feel it is about who will get the engine proper and who will get the engine unsuitable,” Collins stated on the Sky Sports activities F1 Present.
“I feel there’s a notion that the Mercedes engine workforce will rise to the highest. However we do not know. Now we have by no means in contrast the groups to one another.”
“However not less than they’re supplying three groups, so they may study a lot quicker than Honda, which solely provides one workforce.”
Requested not too long ago about his pre-season title favorites, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff advised F1’s Past The Grid podcast:
“It begins with the home opponents. McLaren was the higher workforce this 12 months with the Mercedes energy unit, so if the ability unit was higher, I do not suppose I am certified to say that, however now we have to beat Williams, McLaren and Alpine.”
“In reality, a few of them in all probability spent extra growth time within the wind tunnel as a result of they did not end very effectively within the constructors’ championship. Possibly they’ve improvements that we aren’t conscious of, and so forth.”
“So even when Mercedes’ energy unit is the strongest, you possibly can’t take something with no consideration. Plus, rumors like this are all the time harmful as a result of somebody someplace in one other workforce, or one other energy unit producer, gas provider, may suppose, ‘We wish to put you guys within the favourite position, however we’re coming.’
“That is why we do not get carried away by any gossip that is being talked about in hair salons.”
Warning to new F1 groups
Collins additionally outlined the key challenges Cadillac faces because it prepares for the primary race of the 2026 season.
“I feel Cadillac can have a tough time assembling a brand new workforce, getting everybody collectively and getting automobiles on the grid,” he added.
“Like we did earlier than[in 2016]. Haas joined the grid. After I was at McLaren, I bear in mind coming onto the observe on a Friday morning because the Haas gamers had been coming off the observe to bathe and get again on observe.
“What a ache they should have been in making an attempt to get a brand new automobile on the Australian grid. So I do not suppose that job may be underestimated for the Cadillac guys. If they will get that automobile on the Australian grid, that is going to be actually good for them. It might be a win in some ways.”
