Explore the latest developments concerning How Mercedes stole.
How Mercedes stole a march to dominate F1 season opener and why it may continue
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took a one-two win in Australia and team’s ability to master dark art of energy management is paying off
As Formula One grapples with its new, controversial regulations, there is consensus at least that Mercedes are expected to be on top once more in the second race of the season on Sunday in Shanghai. The team have a fearsome car but most importantly in a formula dominated by the engine, appear to have also stolen a march in optimising the dark art of energy management.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli claimed a one-two at the opening round in Australia last weekend. In qualifying Russell was eight-tenths quicker than Mercedes’ nearest rival, the Red Bull of Isack Hadjar and in the grand prix itself finished 15 seconds in front of third-placed Charles Leclerc having eased up in the final third of the race.
‘Mercedes are back’ – Wolff ecstatic with Australia 1-2 but admits ‘we have a fight on our hands’ with Ferrari
Mercedes executed the best possible start to the season as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli placed first and second at the Australian Grand Prix.
Team Principal Toto Wolff has declared that “Mercedes are back” after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli brought home a 1-2 for the squad in Australia, but conceded that they could be in for a tense competition with Ferrari.
The 2026 season kicked off at Albert Park with the pecking order an unknown, but the Brackley outfit quickly established themselves as the frontrunner after Russell claimed pole position with Antonelli lining up alongside him – the gap between the Briton’s lap time and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar in third was a dominant eight-tenths.
250% Kinky Straight Glueless Wig Ready To Wear And Go 13×6 Hd Yaki Straight Lace Front Human Hair Wigs For Women 30 36 Inch
Still sandbagging? Why Mercedes F1 car may be even faster than we've seen
From an Australian GP win to sprint qualifying pole in China – but could Russell go even faster?
On the eve of the second race of the new F1 there’s a lot to ponder on. Not only how the formula looks around a Shanghai track very different in its energy demands from those of Albert Park last weekend, but also in the competitive pattern.
In Australia a small Mercedes W17 pace advantage, once Ferrari snapped the elastic Charles Leclerc was using to prevent George Russell pulling clear, was quite evident even if it was not as big as in qualifying. But forget for a moment Ferrari’s strategic goof and ponder how much of Merc’s real pace Russell and Kimi Antonelli were using once in clear air. Were they driving to a broad instruction of disguising the extent of their superiority? So as to minimise the chances of rival power unit manufacturers being measured at 3% or more behind, the threshold which will trigger them extra allowances under the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) policy after six races?
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning How Mercedes stole.
