Andrea Kimi Antonelli expressed satisfaction with his early experience in Mercedes’ new car designed for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, after being the first driver to test the vehicle on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The 19-year-old completed 56 laps during Monday’s shakedown session, setting a hopeful tone for Mercedes’ progress with their updated power unit and chassis ahead of the new season.
Following Antonelli’s run, George Russell took over in the afternoon, adding 95 laps to the team’s total. Mercedes opted not to participate in Tuesday’s track time due to rain forecasts, preserving their three chosen testing days during the five-day shakedown period focused on assessing cars built to align with the 2026 technical rules.
Extensive Miles Covered as Mercedes Prepares for 2026 Engine Regulations
Prior to the Barcelona event, both Antonelli and Russell had limited exposure to the new Mercedes W17 through a filming day at Silverstone where they ran on Pirelli demonstration tires. Although restricted to 100 kilometers at Silverstone, the team greatly expanded testing mileage by exceeding 700 kilometers on the first day in Barcelona, demonstrating commitment to understanding the car’s performance thoroughly.
Antonelli Highlights Improvement in Engine Driveability Amid New F1 Rules
The new regulations introduced significant technical changes, including simplified floor designs and a revised power unit architecture combining a nearly equal split between electrical and combustion power. This shift represents a fundamental change from the previous 20/80 balance favoring the internal combustion engine (ICE). Antonelli admitted that before the shakedown, the engine’s driveability was uncertain, particularly with the increased electrical output and removal of the complex MGU-H system.
“The team did a really good job and driveability, which was a big question mark, seems to be good so far,”
Antonelli remarked following the first day’s testing.
“Obviously, it’s early days, and that’s why with the running we will discover a lot more about the car and the PU, and we’ll be able to see where it’s lacking or where it’s actually good. But so far, the package is feeling good.”
Technical Advances in Mercedes’ 2026 Power Unit Could Bolster Championship Hopes
One major highlight of the 2026 F1 regulations is the use of sustainable fuels combined with simplified power unit components to reduce costs. Among teams, Mercedes has been a frontrunner, historically dominating major regulation changes such as the shift to 1.6L V6 turbo-hybrid engines in 2014, which led to an unprecedented seven consecutive drivers’ titles from 2014 to 2020.
Recent information suggests Mercedes, along with rival Red Bull, may be exploiting a regulation loophole that allows their combustion engines to operate at a higher effective compression ratio—potentially increasing from 16:1 to 18:1 during actual running conditions—while the FIA only measures this under ambient circumstances. This advantage could translate to performance gains of up to four-tenths of a second per lap, a significant margin in competitive racing.
Such technical prowess is fueling expectations that the Mercedes power unit will enable drivers like Antonelli and Russell to challenge strongly for the F1 drivers’ championship once the 2026 season begins.
Looking Ahead: Mercedes’ Next Steps Toward Championship Contention
While the early testing results provide cautious optimism regarding Mercedes’ package balance and power unit reliability, the team must continue evaluating their car’s weaknesses and strengths throughout the coming months. The combination of strategic engineering choices and driver talent positions Mercedes as a key contender in the evolving F1 landscape shaped by the 2026 regulations. The upcoming rounds of testing and the season itself will reveal how effectively Mercedes can capitalize on their early breakthroughs.
