DGP123 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 16:47
They shipped a boatload of Merc staff over to that RB engine years ago. It was always going to be good.
Looks pretty samey at the front tbh, and likely a three way between Macca, Merc & RB. Aston nowhere is the big disappointment really. Ferrari likely feeding off the crumbs again just behind the front three teams.
100%
SSJ4 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 17:37
Seems to be a lot more lock ups compared to other pre seasons that I can remember.
All the extreme locations of the A-arms is taking its toll.
CrazyCarperF1 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 18:40
Looking at how much the cars move around, the street circuits are going to be a complete lottery, there could be plenty of accidents.
This year, more than any I have seen in 40 years watching this sport intensely, the combo of lower downforce, HUGE battery torque, ENDLESS PU maps and techniques, and extreme A-arm placement have moved this formulae into an incredible demand for driver prowess in multiple levels. It's not just about feeling the car anymore, but now about all kinds of wacky deployment techniques, weird braking demands, and mind intuitiveness that simply has not existed in this sport at this level, ever. Drivers will HAVE to be VERY adaptive and lucid with extreme technologies more than ever before. You cant just win on natural ability anymore, there is a real genius in management required now.
AR3-GP wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 18:59
If Red Bull have found a clever trick with harvesting, it could be worth more than Merc's compression ratio trick. While it's easy to think Toto is delivering his usual bs, he was actually very specific about what he thinks RB's advantage is. The latest article from the race suggest that RB do have a very advanced system integration (PU, gearbox, driver) that might be allowing them to harvest more than others.
Ford knowledge.
I think many/most underestimate the knowledge base Ford brings to the table for Red Bull. They will deliver the goods. I am ver confident in Ford.
pantherxxx wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 20:06
I think Ford has battery tech that's way more advanced than anyone else, maybe other than Xiaomi. That's how they smashed the GT3 lap record at Nordschleife with an electric van. Ford already had dielectric fluid immersion cooling for high discharge batteries and 6 phased electric motors in 2023, that's multiple years of advantage. They probably transferred that know-how to Red Bull Powertrains. I already called that months ago, and now Toto seems to confirm my theory.
YES. YES. YES.
Farnborough wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 20:10
Adding to that, I consider Verstappen an absolute master in this phase of corner for understanding and modulating rear axle traction. Currently without peer in the driver grouping, with an attitude that fully explores this area extensively. His rate of change/adaption to different track conditions over these last 5 years or more has run rings around others with his application to making the most intelligent use of this skill.
Max is a master at adaptation and sims. Due to his sheer dedication to sim work and driving so many categories competitively, he, in my opinion, will be better than any other driver adapting to this new formulae and its mind demand.
chrisc90 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2026, 22:16
Wonder if this will sort the proper drivers out from the boys.
Yep. And Max will come out on top as he is the most adaptable, is in his prime this year and the coming years, and is dedicated to sim work like no other driver on the grid. If Red Bull deliver, he will deliver, imo.
Watching F1 since 1986.
