The F1 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, and the Barcelona shakedown has left George Russell in awe of his rivals! In a closed-doors event, Mercedes grabbed attention, but it was the overall smooth performance of the new F1 machines that stole the show. With major regulation changes, Russell was pleasantly surprised by the engine performance, especially from Mercedes' competitors.
Here's the twist: Despite expectations of engine manufacturers struggling, they seemed to have hit the ground running! Russell confessed that some rivals were doing 'impressive things' during the unofficial pre-season test. But is it too early to judge? Russell thinks so, as the season is just beginning, and challenges may arise. However, the initial success of the new power unit suppliers has caught many off guard.
The shakedown saw Mercedes complete an impressive 500 laps, with their power unit manufacturer also turning heads. Alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Ford, and Audi make up the PU manufacturers for F1 2026. Astonishingly, these brands encountered minimal issues, with Red Bull Ford and Audi engines performing seamlessly after initial hiccups. This is remarkable, considering their recent formation for F1 2026.
As the season approaches, Russell remains cautious yet excited. He anticipates the official pre-season tests in Bahrain and the season opener in Australia. But will the Honda PU be a dark horse, or will it rain on Adrian Newey's parade? Stay tuned to find out!
And here's a thought: Could the smooth start be a sign of a more competitive and unpredictable F1 season? Share your predictions in the comments below!
