What an F1 winner has heard about apparent Mercedes engine issues

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has revealed he has heard that Mercedes have confronted teething points with their new 2026 energy unit.

After ending second within the 2025 constructors’ world championship, Mercedes have broadly been tipped because the early favourites heading into the novel 2026 regulation shake-up that can see the introduction of sweeping energy unit and aerodynamic modifications in F1.

However in line with three-time grand prix winner Herbert, Mercedes’ preparations for the brand new season haven’t gone utterly easily, primarily based on info he has been advised.

“I’ve not heard something from any groups as of but, however I’ve heard points with Mercedes once they’ve tried placing the ability models behind their automobile and it did not begin,” Herbert advised JeffBet.

“After rumours that Mercedes had been within the strongest place for 2026, it does not appear to be the case. It’s typically been quiet from the factories, groups are placing their heads down and getting ready as greatest as they’ll.

“I am positive there can be lots of little issues, as there all the time are when coming into a brand new yr with a brand new automobile with new guidelines. There are lots of unknowns. It is totally different when the automobile is being examined in a manufacturing unit and when it is racing on monitor.”

Mercedes are believed to have discovered a loophole within the 2026 laws that can allow their engines to function with a higher-than-allowed compression ratio at racing temperatures, probably giving them a vital efficiency benefit over their rivals.

Russell backed for F1 title problem

Regardless of sharing regarding whispers about Mercedes’ energy unit, Herbert has backed George Russell to problem for the world championship in 2026, offering he has the fitting automobile.

Russell claimed two victories in 2025 and was one of many standout drivers of the season as he completed fourth on this planet championship standings, behind the McLaren pair and Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen.

“George Russell can be essential within the resurgence of Mercedes. They wish to be proper on the very entrance once more. George can enhance by being pushed by Kimi Antonelli too,” Herbert mentioned.

“Consistency is the principle factor dividing their competitiveness in the meanwhile, George may be very constant, whereas Antonelli will not be. It is a good mixture of expertise and the younger. It can profit them each on the finish of the day.

“George can be conscious that Antonelli will enhance and has Toto Wolff’s backing, however I believe with the fitting automobile, George can compete for the championship.”