Mercedes Engine Noise
Just what are Mercedes cooking up with that 2026 engine?
Up until this week, we’d had some rumors that Mercedes were pleased with their 2026 engine development. For the most part, they were simply that - rumors.
But in the space of a couple days, George Russell said Mercedes is “very confident” and Alex Albon specifically referenced it as a reason behind him extending his relationship with Williams Racing.
Two things:
When George Russell spoke about it, I made a mental note but didn’t give it too much thought beyond that. He’s a Mercedes man, after all, and depending on what Mercedes are planning in the driver market, getting comments like this out into public can freeze some decisions in a way that could be useful to the Brackley outfit.
When Alex Albon spoke about it, I was convinced that Mercedes truly believes it’s in the kitchen with something special. His Mercedes links and loyalties are far more tenuous than George’s yet he made a point to bring it up.
Will we see a repeat of their turbo-hybrid dominance?
If anyone tells you they know the answer to that question, snort and tell them I say “phooey.”
Williams Racing and team principal James Vowles must be licking their lips at the prospect of repeating the success of the mid-2010s when Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas were in regular contention for podiums.
The hottest driver on the market has gone unmentioned thus far but it’s the link that doesn’t go away and the drumbeat of confidence from Mercedes may be working to turn his head.
Carlos Sainz to Williams becomes far more realistic if they can do everything short of promising they’ll be at the pointy end when the new regulations hit.
There’s one more thing I want you to consider - a sleeping beast has been awakened at McLaren, fueled by an incredibly talented driver lineup. In this power unit family, there are two available seats; one at Mercedes and one at Williams.
Should Mercedes add Kimi Antonelli to their driver lineup, the lone seat in the family is at Williams, who suddenly seem to be playing a far stronger hand than a couple weeks ago.
So much more to come.