Wolff downplays title excitement, Russell impressed with Aston's performance.

      "We still lack a complete overview."

      Initial suggestions that Mercedes might be the leading team under the new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are being downplayed in Brackley, both by team principal Toto Wolff and projected title contender George Russell. With many expecting Mercedes to excel in the new era due to its power unit, Russell has been considered by some as an early favorite for the championship. However, the Brit maintains that his mindset remains unchanged.

      "Whether I'm regarded as a favorite or not doesn't impact my approach," Russell stated on Monday. "Fans likely anticipated a rivalry between Mercedes and McLaren, as many thought our power unit would be the top one. However, all signs suggest that other engine manufacturers have also performed well."

      Russell was particularly impressed by Aston Martin's striking 2026 car, created by Adrian Newey, despite early challenges faced by Honda's new engine. "I believe the Aston has the most remarkable design," Russell remarked. "Everyone is focused on its rear suspension. Visually, it's stunning - but this isn't a beauty contest; it's about speed. We'll see how it performs in Melbourne."

      "Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and we are all quite similar," he continued. "But Aston Martin should not be overlooked. What Adrian has accomplished with that car looks impressive, and we know Honda has potential."

      Wolff shared this caution, rejecting the notion that the closed-door shakedown week in Barcelona established a clear order among the teams. "What transpired in Barcelona is yet another indication of how much performance variation can be artificially overemphasized," the 54-year-old stated. "I didn’t observe any team collapsing in that regard."

      While he expressed satisfaction with Mercedes’ initial performance, Wolff emphasized that their competitors still have much to reveal. "We don’t yet have a full understanding because Max Verstappen wasn't pushing for fast times, and Ferrari and McLaren certainly didn't show all their capabilities," he explained. "It’s nice for our driver to be favored by the bookmakers, but we haven't demonstrated yet that we possess a title-winning package."

      The Austrian also cautioned that testing in Bahrain, with its heat and rough surface, will serve as a more accurate assessment. "We haven't raced in conditions like those in Bahrain yet, which have presented difficulties for us in the past. I'm generally inclined to be pessimistic. I've set my expectations incorrectly too many times."

      Beyond performance, Wolff expressed genuine excitement for the new generation of cars. "I see no negatives," he said. "They resemble Formula 1 cars again, rather than the behemoths of the past. I like the engine design, especially the boost feature, and I believe we'll witness more overtaking thanks to the tools available to drivers."

      "Of course, speed remains vital," Wolff concluded, "but in 2026, there's an added element of intelligent driving and strategy. That's thrilling for Formula 1."