Antonelli Issues Early Warning After Praising Mercedes 2026 Package

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Kimi Antonelli has handed Mercedes rivals an early warning after delivering a positive assessment of the team’s 2026 package during the opening day of Formula 1’s official shakedown test in Barcelona.

The 19-year-old became the first driver to exit the pit lane when running began at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, before handing the W17 over to team-mate George Russell for the afternoon session.

Learning Focus in Cold Conditions

Running in cold early-morning conditions, Antonelli completed 55 laps, setting a best time of 1:20.700. While lap times remain secondary at this stage, the session allowed the Italian to begin understanding the demands of Formula 1’s all-new 2026 power unit regulations.

Antonelli admitted the return to the cockpit marked an important step in adapting to the significantly revised systems that define the new era.

“Yeah, it was a very interesting morning—very nice to be back in the car, of course,” Antonelli told F1TV.
“It’s a massive learning experience.”

Continuous Development Through Running

Antonelli explained that the initial running focused on fine-tuning both the power unit and the overall car package, with noticeable progress already evident by the afternoon.

“We’ve been trying to tune the power unit and the car. Obviously, this afternoon the car has improved a lot,” he said.

He stressed that mileage will remain the most valuable asset throughout pre-season testing.

“It’s a constant learning process, so the most important thing is trying to get as much running as possible in order to tune the power unit and the car in the best way possible.”

Mercedes’ Strong Start Reinforces Early Favourite Status

Heading into the 2026 regulation change, Mercedes has been widely viewed as an early benchmark, based on its dominance when the turbo-hybrid era was introduced in 2014. The opening day in Barcelona appeared to support that perception.

In the afternoon, Russell completed an additional 93 laps, underlining Mercedes’ emphasis on system validation, correlation work, and reliability rather than headline lap times.

Praise for Power Unit Drivability

Antonelli offered specific praise for Mercedes’ work on the power unit, particularly addressing concerns around drivability that had been raised ahead of the new regulations.

“I have to say the team has done a really good job on the power unit side,” Antonelli added.
“Drivability, which was a big question mark, seems to be good so far.”

However, he was careful to emphasise that definitive conclusions remain premature.

“Obviously it’s early days. With more running, we’ll discover a lot more about the car and the power unit—where it’s lacking and where it’s strong. But so far, the package is feeling good.”

A Clear Signal to the Grid

While the competitive order will only become clearer during the later tests in Bahrain, Antonelli’s feedback suggests Mercedes have begun the 2026 cycle with a solid technical foundation. Early impressions point to a well-integrated power unit and a car that already offers confidence to its drivers.

As testing continues, Mercedes’ ability to build on this promising start may place added pressure on its rivals, who now face early indications that the Silver Arrows could once again set the benchmark at the dawn of a new Formula 1 era.