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Mercedes’ 2026 Formula 1 car shocks with on-track brilliance: a thrilling test revelation

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 27, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Mercedes’ 2026 Formula 1 car shocks with on-track brilliance: a thrilling test revelation

Mercedes’ 2026 Formula 1 Car Outshines Simulators: A Bold New Era Begins!

In an electrifying start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has emerged from the shadows of the simulator to reveal a car that feels even more exhilarating on the track than it did in virtual reality! The team kicked off its testing at Barcelona with George Russell clocking the second-fastest time, just half a second behind Red Bull’s standout Isack Hadjar. This promising performance has sent ripples of excitement through the paddock, as Mercedes is already being touted as a frontrunner for the upcoming season.

The excitement bubbled over as both Russell and young talent Kimi Antonelli took the wheel of the new W17, collectively logging an impressive 149 laps during the day. Russell alone contributed 93 laps in the afternoon session, showcasing the car’s robustness and reliability on the demanding circuit. Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, expressed his team’s satisfaction, stating, “We’re pretty happy with what we’re feeling out on track.”

Before the Silverstone tests, Mercedes’ experience was confined to the digital realm, but Shovlin revealed, “In a number of areas it’s actually feeling better to them on track than they were feeling in the simulator. So that’s certainly encouraging.” The team is looking forward to refining the drivability of their new engine, which has made significant strides, now delivering nearly half its power through the upgraded MGU-K. “It’s a lot of work to do,” Shovlin admitted, “but we’re really just at the very, very embryonic stages of the test programme here.”

Antonelli, who experienced the car under slightly damp conditions, commented on the thrilling drive, saying, “It’s very nice to drive.” He emphasized the progress made on drivability, which had previously been a major concern for the team. “It’s early days, and that’s why we will discover a lot more about the car and the power unit,” he added. “But so far, the package is feeling good.”

This initial success follows a successful shakedown at Silverstone last week, where Mercedes completed a full day on-track with its brand-new car and engine, hinting at a well-prepared start to the 2026 program. “It has been an absolutely monumental project,” Shovlin proclaimed, highlighting the intense effort put into the power unit and the challenges posed by the new regulations.

Russell, reflecting on the new breed of 2026 cars, stated they deliver “pretty impressive” power and noted how quick Antonelli appeared on the track, saying, “It was probably the quickest I’ve ever seen an F1 car pass here.” While he acknowledged the productive day, Russell was careful to temper expectations, emphasizing, “We’re all just excited to get to Melbourne.”

As the team gears up for the crucial Bahrain tests, the anticipation builds for the real showdown. “It’s only come Melbourne qualifying, Melbourne race, that we’ll get a true indication of who’s on top,” he warned, underscoring the competitive spirit that fuels Mercedes. With adrenaline running high and the clock ticking towards the season opener, one thing is clear: Mercedes is ready to reclaim its throne in Formula 1, and fans can hardly wait to see how this thrilling saga unfolds!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2026-formula-1-seasonandrea-kimi-antonelli-3george-russell-2getspeed-mercedesisack-hadjar-2
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