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Mercedes denies F1 favourites tag ahead of 2026 shake-up: reality check for rivals

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Mercedes denies F1 favourites tag ahead of 2026 shake-up: reality check for rivals
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Mercedes Dismisses ‘Favourites’ Label Ahead of Revolutionary 2026 F1 Season: The Truth Unveiled!

As the countdown to the seismic changes of the 2026 Formula 1 season ticks away, Mercedes has taken a bold stand against the swirling rumors labeling them as the frontrunners. With whispers echoing through the paddock that the Brackley team is poised to dominate, team leader Toto Wolff and trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin are setting the record straight: “This sentiment is not coming from us!”

The 2026 season promises to be unlike any other in F1 history, with power units undergoing an unprecedented transformation since the introduction of turbo hybrids that marked Mercedes’ reign of supremacy. The new regulations will allow batteries to unleash a staggering 350kw of electrical energy—three times the current output—while the MGU-H will be scrapped entirely. Let’s not forget the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels and groundbreaking chassis modifications, including active aerodynamics, which could redefine speed and maneuverability on the track.

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Despite the optimism surrounding their capabilities, Shovlin remains grounded, emphasizing the monumental task ahead. “Eight weeks feels awfully short for the 2026 cars to hit the track. There is a huge amount of work to do,” he stated candidly. Mercedes is not resting on its laurels, even as rival teams speculate on their preparedness.

Reflecting on past glories, Shovlin recalled, “We had great success in 2009 with Brawn and again in 2014, but those days of catching rivals off-guard are long gone. Teams have learned from us.” The harsh reality is that competitors are now more astute than ever, ensuring they won’t be left behind as Mercedes once was.

With the current F1 season wrapping up on December 7, the clock is ticking for teams to pivot towards the new regulations. The ensuing tight schedule features a closed-door test in Barcelona set for late January, following crucial filming days mid-month. The pressure is mounting as teams scramble to balance their focus on existing cars while gearing up for the future.

Shovlin outlined the formidable challenges ahead: “There’s a lot of work left to do, but it’s feeling a bit less daunting than it did a month ago. Still, every team now has equal resources due to the cost cap, which means success can’t simply be bought.” He acknowledged that lower-ranked teams are investing heavily in next year’s designs while some of the top competitors are still tethered to their current models.

To kick off with a competitive advantage is crucial: “It’s vital to start on the front foot,” Shovlin insisted. With sweeping changes to car regulations, including significant ECU modifications, the learning curve will be steep. Yet, Mercedes is committed to relentless progress, channeling a mindset that has historically brought them success.

As the dust settles on the 2025 season and the tension builds for 2026, one thing is clear: Mercedes is not about to succumb to complacency. In a sport where the line between winning and losing is razor-thin, the mantra remains: assume your rivals are ahead, and strive to catch up. The question now is whether this philosophy will be enough to secure their place at the forefront of Formula 1 once again. Get ready, because the race for supremacy in 2026 is just heating up!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonandrew-shovlinjamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachToto Wolff
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