F1MATHS: Telemetry explains Mercedes' qualifying advantage
The first qualifying session of the 2026 Formula 1 season has already delivered a striking storyline: Mercedes appear to have arrived with a power unit and energy‑deployment package that is visibly superior to the rest of the field. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo looks back at some key learnings from Saturday's qualifying session.
The telemetry traces from the session, particularly through the high‑speed run into Turn 8, paint a picture of a team that has mastered the new power‑unit regulations more effectively than any of its rivals.
Across the speed comparison, Mercedes consistently reached the highest top speed, topping the charts at 327 km/h, a figure that none of the other manufacturers could match.
Even more telling is the way the Mercedes power unit maintained its speed before the clipping point. While every team experiences clipping, the severity of the drop-off varies dramatically, and Mercedes’ data shows a smaller and later decline than most competitors. This indicates a more efficient battery deployment strategy and superior energy recovery, allowing their drivers to sustain higher speeds deeper into the straight.
By contrast, the Red Bull Powertrains unit and the Audi power unit both showed a noticeably larger clipping delta, losing speed earlier and more abruptly.
Ferrari’s data was mixed: Charles Leclerc’s run showed a significant drop, while Oliver Bearman’s Ferrari‑powered Haas displayed a much smaller clipping delta, suggesting setup differences or varying deployment modes between factory and customer teams. Honda, powering Aston Martin, also appeared to struggle with energy deployment, suffering one of the steepest speed losses before Turn 8.
The speed graph comparing drivers further reinforces Mercedes’ advantage. George Russell’s trace sits consistently above those of his rivals, not only in peak straighline speed but also in the stability of his speed curve.
Where others show clear signs of lifting or clipping, Russell’s line remains smooth and uninterrupted, reflecting both aerodynamic efficiency and a power unit capable of sustaining maximum output for longer.
Even in sections where drivers typically lift slightly to manage tyre temperatures or balance, the Mercedes car maintains momentum, suggesting a chassis that complements the engine’s strengths.
This early telemetry snapshot suggests that Mercedes have not only built a strong internal combustion engine but have also achieved a highly effective integration of the hybrid systems—an area that becomes even more critical under the 2026 regulations.
Their battery pack appears to deliver energy more efficiently, their MGU‑K deployment lasts longer, and their overall power curve is smoother and more robust than those of their competitors.
