Mercedes 2026 advantage in doubt after concerning claim

While the paddock has been whispering for months that Mercedes might be holding the winning ticket for the 2026 regulation reset, a concerning rumor has just thrown a potential wrench into that narrative.

For months, the "Mercedes 2026" theory was simple: they dominated the last engine change in 2014, so they’ll likely do it again. But if the latest whispers are true, the mood in Brackley – and more specifically Brixworth – may be far more anxious than confident.

While Mercedes High Performance Powertrains is usually a fortress of efficiency, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has picked up on a specific, worrying technical glitch that suggests the team is struggling with the most basic step of development: firing up its new power unit.

"I've not heard anything from any teams as of yet, but I have heard issues with Mercedes when they've tried putting the power units in the back of their car and it didn't start," Herbert told JeffBet.

Premature Optimism?

The three-time Grand Prix winner noted that the early optimism surrounding the team's progress might have been premature.

"After rumours that Mercedes were in the strongest position for 2026, it doesn't seem to be the case," he noted.

Despite the panic this might cause fans, he cautioned that this is the time of year when every team is fighting fires in the shadows.

"It's generally been quiet from the factories, teams are putting their heads down and preparing as best as they can,” he explained.

“I'm sure there will be a lot of little problems, as there always are when coming into a new year with a new car with new rules. There are a lot of unknowns. It's different when the car is being tested in a factory and when it's racing on track."

The Stakes for George Russell

If Mercedes does indeed end up with power unit gremlins, the biggest victim will undeniably be George Russell.

But despite the rumored early engine drama, Herbert remains a firm believer in the Mercedes team’s leader and his ability to handle the pressure of a rising Kimi Antonelli in the second seat.

"George Russell will be very important in the resurgence of Mercedes. They want to be right at the very front again. George can improve by being pushed by Kimi Antonelli too," the former Sky F1 pundit explained.

“Consistency is the main thing dividing their competitiveness at the moment, George is very consistent, whereas Antonelli is not.

• Read also: Hill and Herbert name their F1 ‘dark horses’ for 2026

“It's a good mix of experience and the young. It will benefit them both at the end of the day. George will be aware that Antonelli will improve and has Toto Wolff's backing, but I think with the right car, George can compete for the championship.”

The question now is whether the "right car" will actually be ready for the lights to go out in 2026, or if the Silver Arrows have finally met their match in the new regulations.

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