Crimson Bull believes it is going to be on the identical tempo as McLaren at first of the 2026 F1 season, however behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
After being eradicated in Q1 attributable to an enormous crash, four-time world champion Max Verstappen stormed from twentieth place to complete sixth within the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Verstappen returned dwelling simply behind McLaren’s reigning world champion Lando Norris, however was almost a minute behind George Russell, who edged the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton 1-2.
Isak Hajar, who certified third, had an awesome begin and was operating competitively in direction of the entrance till his Crimson Bull’s energy unit failed and he was compelled to retire.
Crimson Bull’s efficiency in Melbourne was according to expectations after pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“After pre-season testing, we predicted that we might be the fourth (quickest) crew,” Crimson Bull crew principal Laurent Mequise mentioned. “On the finish of the day, I feel that’s fairly correct.
“This weekend was in all probability slightly bit higher as a result of Isaac was third on the grid. He did an excellent job optimizing all the pieces there. I feel it is honest to say that within the race he was at the very least on par with the McLaren, however he definitely could not battle with the Ferraris and Mercedes.
“We all know that. We’ve got an ambition and an obligation to construct a path to get them. It should take a while, however it’s not shocking.”
“When it comes to the distinction to Mercedes, it was very tough to evaluate as a result of after pre-season testing we knew that some video games have been performed to masks the tempo. So I am unable to say we’re shocked by the distinction we see right here. It is in all probability additionally one thing we felt we must handle ultimately.”
Requested what Crimson Bull’s present lead over Mercedes was realistically, Mekies mentioned: “I might say it is in all probability nearer to a second per lap.”
Crimson Bull is proud to have the ability to ‘battle’ with new engine
Verstappen fees from twentieth to sixth
Crimson Bull has taken on the massive problem of manufacturing its personal energy unit for the primary time in F1 historical past.
The efficiency and reliability of the 2026 Crimson Bull engine has impressed rivals throughout pre-season and the Milton Keynes crew is delighted to be ‘becoming a member of the fray’ at first of F1’s new regulatory period.
“The prevailing feeling is that we made positive we have been within the battle,” Mekies mentioned. “We’re extraordinarily pleased with the work that everybody at Milton Keynes has accomplished over the previous few years and the work that has been achieved heading into this season.
“I feel it is a huge achievement to have the ability to be within the battle straight from race one. We’ve got the ambition and the duty to do higher, in fact, however the start line right here to compete right here was third yesterday, twentieth to sixth at the moment.”
“We’re nonetheless going to compete in China after which we’ll begin the event race. We’ll begin the training race. We noticed all through the race weekend how imperfect issues have been, however in qualifying yesterday lots of people complained that they could not optimize their laps as a result of it was tough to clear all the pieces from these guidelines, from session to session, run to run.”
“In order that’s a problem that we’ve to simply accept, and it is the identical in racing. The underside line is that we have been within the battle right here, and hopefully we’ll be within the battle subsequent week, after which we nonetheless must develop quicker than our opponents.”
However Mekies shortly lowered his hopes that Crimson Bull might be a contender for this 12 months’s world championship.
“No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying we’re within the battle,” he pressured.
“The season may be very lengthy and being within the high 4 is the precise place to begin in comparison with the present scenario of the mission. We’ve got the ambition and obligation to purpose increased.”
