Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell has suggested that Red Bull Racing looked “suspiciously slow” during the second Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The Milton Keynes-based team initially attracted strong attention after showing competitive pace during the opening Bahrain test. However, its performance appeared noticeably more subdued in the second test a week later, something that caught the attention of Russell and rival teams including Mercedes.
The 2026 season marks the beginning of a new technical regulation era in Formula 1, while also representing the first year Red Bull runs its own power unit project through Red Bull Powertrains. Several observers expect Red Bull and Mercedes to start the season as leading contenders under the new rules.
Russell insisted Mercedes was not attempting to disguise its performance during testing, explaining that the team followed consistent run plans across both weeks in Bahrain.
“From our side, there hasn't really been any strategic poker during testing.”
“We've been very consistent with our run plans over the two weeks, staying similar with fuel loads and power settings. We didn’t change anything based on whether we looked fast or slow.”
Russell also admitted he found it difficult to understand the sudden shift in Red Bull’s pace between the two tests.
“I think Red Bull looked suspiciously slow in the second test, to be honest.”
“We had them down as arguably the quickest in the first test, but based on our numbers they went seven tenths slower compared to themselves in the second test.”
“Meanwhile we and Ferrari went a couple of tenths quicker after introducing some new upgrades to the car.”
Russell suggested the drop in performance might not fully reflect Red Bull’s true pace heading into the opening round.
“So I’m struggling to wrap my head around how they’ve lost seven tenths in a week.”
“I expect them to be very strong, to be honest. That’s why everyone is intrigued to see how things unfold when the season begins.”
The true competitive order between Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari is expected to become clearer when the 2026 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Baca Juga
F1 menerapkan prosedur start baru di GP Australia 2026 setelah perubahan mesin tanpa MGU-H memicu kekhawatiran turbo lag saat start balapan.
Oscar Piastri membela Zak Brown setelah kontroversi strategi McLaren musim F1 2025 yang berujung pada hilangnya peluang gelar pembalap.
Lance Stroll mengungkap getaran parah mesin Honda pada Aston Martin F1 2026 terasa seperti tersengat listrik dan berpotensi memengaruhi reliabilitas di GP Australia.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!