Mercedes Magic and Ferrari's Rapid Starts: What We Learned from F1 Testing
George Russell has been purring in a balanced car during pre-season, while Aston Martin continues to hunt for power. The big four teams—Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren—have all downplayed their strengths in testing, but Mercedes undeniably looks formidable.
Mercedes on the March
Mercedes completed the most laps of any team, showcasing reliable car and engine performance. The vehicle appears balanced and easy to handle, planted through corners, a stark contrast to recent struggles. It performs exactly as simulation data predicted, leaving Russell satisfied. The pecking order among the top four remains unclear until qualifying in Melbourne, but if Mercedes have been sandbagging—having yet to run on low fuel and soft tyres—their real pace could be overwhelming.
Ferrari Fire from the Blocks
With wide-ranging regulation changes, nothing is certain. Red Bull has shown efficient energy recovery, allowing more electrical power deployment for straight-line speed. Ferrari, however, excels at blisteringly fast starts. A smaller turbocharger spins up quickly, and during FIA trials of a new launch procedure, Ferrari's performance was revelatory. Lewis Hamilton's rocket-like start from the fifth row to leading into turn one was no fluke, with Ferrari-powered cars like Esteban Ocon's Haas making similar rapid getaways. These cars enjoy predictable launches and less turbo-lag, providing a feisty punch on corner exit.
Rule Row Still Running
Concerns about how new regulations will affect racing, particularly energy management's role, have swirled since last year. During testing, drivers like Max Verstappen expressed dislike for the new cars. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has called for calm, but disquiet remains. Drivers must adapt to energy management, including lifting and coasting, but the acid test in Melbourne will be whether it impacts racing. If changes have minimal effect, the furore may fade; otherwise, the FIA and F1 might take action.
Aston Martin Under the Cos
Adrian Newey faces challenges at Aston Martin, which endured a nightmare in testing with only 128 laps completed—the fewest of any team. Basic gearbox and transmission issues have stymied running, and engine manufacturer Honda burned through parts, limiting final-day testing. Lance Stroll lamented the lack of power, while Fernando Alonso noted many fixes are needed. Despite optimism for 2026 with Newey's arrival, current struggles are evident.
Cadillac Make It to the Party
Built from scratch in just over 12 months, Cadillac acquitted itself well in testing, putting impressive miles on the clock. As a startup, they expect to be at the rear of the grid but are in it for the long haul. Targets include bringing both cars to the flag and perhaps scoring a point. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez praised the car's balance, giving Cadillac a positive start.
Tight Midfield Fight
Behind the big four, the midfield is similarly competitive. Haas has made the greatest step up under new regulations, benefiting from a Ferrari engine. Alpine has a positive start, while Williams struggles after missing the Barcelona test but remains optimistic. Racing Bulls debuts impressively with the Red Bull engine, and Audi might have an edge early in the season.
