Mercedes has the “same feelings” about the team’s 2026 power unit as the package it dominated with the last time the engine regulations changed in Formula 1 in 2014.
That is according to respected pit lane pundit Ted Kravitz, who suspects that Mercedes will place more emphasis on the impending rules reset than this campaign.
Mercedes capitalised on the switch to V6-turbo hybrid powertrains in 2014 to begin an unprecedented run that comprised eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
However, the German marque has become unstuck with the ground effect cars that have been in use since 2022, recording five victories across the past three seasons.
But Mercedes has been touted to assume a leading position again once the new engines – which will feature 50 per cent electrification – that will debut next season.
Kravitz has revealed that the internal indications he’s heard within Mercedes is that it is seeing similar promise with its 2026 venture as in the build-up to 2014.
Asked whether Mercedes’ attention will be all in on the regulation overhaul in 2025, Kravitz told the Sky F1 podcast: “I think so.
“They’ve lost some people from Mercedes. They’ve lost Loic Serra to Ferrari.
“But they are having the same kind of feelings about the 2026 power unit, which is so different, as they had about the 2014 power unit.
“As Toto Wolff and James Allison say out of Brixworth, the noise is that they’re feeling the same kind of gains that they had when they swept the board under a new power unit regulation in 2014 as they will for 2026.
“I’d be surprised if Mercedes are contending [in F1 2025], even though they’ve got [the] Mercedes [board] in the background – and a Mercedes engine won the Constructors’ Championship [with McLaren last season].”
Mercedes’ Verstappen pursuit
Mercedes reported to be at an advanced stage with development for 2026 could boost the chances the side has of tempting Max Verstappen to move from Red Bull.
Mercedes boss Wolff made public last term that Verstappen was his top target to replace Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 champion having opted to go to Ferrari.
But despite talks between Mercedes and Verstappen;s camp taking place over the summer, the discussions ended with the agreement that he will remain at Red Bull.
However, Mercedes would be poised to reignite its interest should the Dutchman become available, despite Kimi Antonelli being promoted to partner George Russell.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted exit clauses exist in Verstappen’s deal – signed in 2021 – that runs until 2028 related to the team’s on-track performance.
Meanwhile, there is scepticism about how competitive Red Bull will prove to be in 2026 with its maiden in-house power unit build that is being constructed with Ford.
Last season, Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius stated the upcoming rule change will reset the pecking order and give the three-pointed star a chance to poach Verstappen.
“The best driver wants to have the best car. And that’s our job, to bring the best package together,” he told Sky Germany.
“The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That’s also an opportunity. Who knows? But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn’t he?”
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