F1 2026, it’s Mercedes vs Ferrari
Front row in Melbourne, front row in Shanghai. Even in the two battles for pole position on the Chinese circuit, Mercedes confirmed its overwhelming superiority, at least over a single lap. The W17’s advantage is evident in terms of the engine, where George Russell made the difference on Friday with super clipping on the second straight.
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Even in Saturday’s Qualifying, the Brackley team was clearly ahead when it mattered, not only because of the gap Kimi Antonelli put between himself and Ferrari (almost four tenths) but also because of Russell’s own performance, managing to snatch the second-fastest time despite technical problems at the start of Q3, cold tires, and a low battery. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, however, continues to want to hide the car’s potential.
Wolff’s words
“I am not relieved, but happy and serene. Now we have the feeling that we can fight for the victory. Are we dominating? No, I am a pessimistic person and I always prepare for the worst“, this was his comment to L’Équipe.
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“This time I don’t think we got the project wrong, but that doesn’t mean we will win. Maybe Ferrari wins on Sunday and we’ll talk about something else“. Considering how Friday in Shanghai went and the margin the W17 seemed to have in its pocket in Melbourne, it remains an unlikely hypothesis.
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