2026 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

[venkyhere]

Maybe they haven't tuned/figured out deployment for the new PU?

Not following what do meant by 'new' :
Mercedes have conducted only 'reliability updates' (things like battery cooling, leaks etc) and not any 'performance updates' , as per what Toto Wolff told the media (even if I don't trust him, at all, it makes sense for them to roll all their bug fixes and performance improvements together into one big ADUO update, with cost cap in place).
So there is nothing 'new' w.r.t PU as far as the energy algorithm people in the team are concerned. They might have got something wrong/suboptimal, but I don't think it's because of anything 'new' in the PU.

[SiLo]

I've been wondering if Merc will have to "detune" the energy harvesting because of issues with the batteries. Maybe this is the result of that?

Antonelli was still faster on some straights where they deployed more.

[zibby43]

I've been wondering if Merc will have to "detune" the energy harvesting because of issues with the batteries. Maybe this is the result of that?

Antonelli was still faster on some straights where they deployed more.

Not sure about that but we’ll get an answer tomorrow.

As an aside, the dynamic of a showdown between a 41-year-old and a teenager is pretty amazing.

Both have thoroughly impressed me this year and it’s clear Kimi is a LH or Max-level talent based on his pure pace and ability to manage tires over a stint.

Once Kimi starts to get some more experience, he’s going to be diabolical.

[Chuckjr]

I've been wondering if Merc will have to "detune" the energy harvesting because of issues with the batteries. Maybe this is the result of that?

Antonelli was still faster on some straights where they deployed more.

Not sure about that but we’ll get an answer tomorrow.

As an aside, the dynamic of a showdown between a 41-year-old and a teenager is pretty amazing.

Both have thoroughly impressed me this year and it’s clear Kimi is a LH or Max-level talent based on his pure pace and ability to manage tires over a stint.

Once Kimi starts to get some more experience, he’s going to be diabolical.

Couldn't agree more. I've been shocked at his pace this year. tbh, as King George is no slacker. Kimi is improving every race.

[Lasssept]

[Lasssept]

[PlatinumZealot]

Why are Mercedes not being investigated for their additional deployment in comparison to other teams? Ferrari were constantly hounded in 2017, 2018 with regards to oil burning and second battery, But why is shitter being given a free pass??

Because there is no additional deployment. Their ICE is simply stronger and their aerodynamics is very efficient in the high acceleration range of the engine.

[PlatinumZealot]

Really good lap from Kimi but Russell's pace was just nowhere...

I actually like George, but I do feel like he's going to end up having to play a supporting role for Kimi. Especially if Lewis really does start to challenge for the title.

Will Kimi even need support? He will be off in the distance by the end of the year if this continues lol

[rifrafs2kees]

I think George's wing broke before he understeered off.

[Lasssept]

[zibby43]

No it wouldn't have been - it was overweight & had lesser downforce in the previous spec.

Ah yes because when I think of downforce, I think of Austria.

Oh wait, it’s actually one of the least downforce-sensitive, most power-dependent circuits on the calendar.

Was Red Bull good in Canada? Oh yeah, Max was 3rd, 1s behind LH. But carry on I guess.

There is no need to be so sarcastic.
Yes, Austria is about power and straighline speed, but don't forget that the latter half of S2 and S3 in Austria are downforce dependent - the fact that both Redbulls weren't hemorrhaging time through there, compared to the other three, indicates that downforce levels were improved. That was not the case in Barcelona, where they were considerably slower through all non-slow-speed corners than the other three.
Plus, Canada was not a 'merit' podium, it was a case of climbing two places for free because the Mclarens took themselves out of the race.

This is about where I was expecting RB to be.

[zibby43]

Generational talent. George has been relegated to a Bottas-like role it seems. Will qualify well at some places and sneak in the occasional win if things aren’t optimal for Kimi.

[SB15]

Here's the telemetry between Russell and Antonelli

https://gp-tempo.com/app?year=2026&roun ... =telemetry