Despite Mercedes’ impressive start to the 2026 season, former Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer believes they’re facing a bigger challenge than it might seem.
The Silver Arrows have hit the ground running, sweeping the first three races of the season and jumping out to a commanding lead in both championships.
Mercedes currently sit top of the standings on 135 points, 45 clear of second-placed Ferrari.
With Antonelli’s nine-point advantage over Russell at this stage, early signs suggest it could be a tight battle between teammates all year long.
Szafnauer believes that despite their strong start, Mercedes are facing bigger challenges than the other teams on the grid.
Szafnauer explained that while Mercedes have to find new ways to stay ahead, other teams can simply study what’s working and try to close the gap.
Speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast, he said: “The significant difference, from Mercedes and the rest of them, is the rest of them can look at Mercedes and say ‘Ah, that’s what they’ve done to get to this level’.”
“Mercedes can’t look at anybody and say, ‘Ah, what do I do next?’ They have got to creatively think of what is coming next to go faster. Everyone else can look, and they catch up quicker.
“The other ones that aren’t there, they learn from Mercedes or from Ferrari. That’s what Adrian Newey does, walking around the grid, every car, he is learning something.
“Mercedes are just out there. You’re right; in 18 months, the Mercedes will be much quicker. But they have nobody to look at or learn from. It’s a harder job for them.”
While Mercedes have clearly set the pace early on, other teams have been busy using the April break to try and close the gap.
Reports ahead of the Miami Grand Prix suggest that Ferrari are preparing to introduce significant updates to the SF-26.
Corriere della Sera has reported that Ferrari are planning to bring what they’re calling ‘at least half a modified car’ to Miami, including a new front wing and what’s being described as an ‘advanced’ chassis.
If those changes pay off, it could see Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start pushing Kimi Antonelli and George Russell for wins later in the season.
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