Overview
- Drivers and team bosses report that battery harvesting and deployment, not outright lap time, will decide performance with the new smaller, lighter 2026 cars and active aero.
- Initial Barcelona running suggested Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull/Ford power units are closely matched on performance and reliability, with McLaren noting Red Bull’s strong early mileage.
- Large straight‑line speed differentials when one car harvests and another deploys raised safety concerns, with Toto Wolff citing a 50–60 km/h example and Zak Brown urging rule refinement.
- Lando Norris expects Boost/Overtake use to create more overtakes yet more complex, ‘yo‑yo’ battles, while Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli says racecraft will be like fast‑moving chess.
- The FIA has convened meetings over a contested compression‑ratio interpretation alleged to benefit Mercedes, seeking clarity before Melbourne following further tests in Bahrain on 11–13 and 18–20 February.