Mercedes has pinpointed the cause of its reliability issues.

      "Most of the areas of risk have been comprehended."

      Mercedes believes it has pinpointed the underlying cause of the reliability issues that have started to jeopardize its leading campaign in 2026. The situation became clearer when championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli had to retire from the Spanish GP due to an electrical failure, marking a continuation of reliability challenges for Mercedes-powered vehicles. Technical director James Allison confirmed that these issues are associated with the battery system.

      "I believe anyone who follows the sport closely will have noticed that several Mercedes-engine cars have faced trouble this season," he remarked. "While they are not all the same, they do stem from a similar broad area within the battery." Mercedes refers to the battery as the "module," and Allison mentioned that solutions are already in the works.

      "I think that we have grasped most of the risk areas, and with a bit of luck, as we begin to introduce the new modules into the racing season, our fortunes as a team should improve," stated Allison. His comments are particularly notable given the increasing concern within Mercedes following a series of failures, despite the team's strong position at the top of both championships.

      Allison acknowledged that reliability is an ongoing balancing act in Formula 1. "You accept that failures will occur," he noted. "We aim to ensure that failures arise during testing or on rigs and that they happen as infrequently as possible when you are out there trying to earn championship points."

      As Mercedes focuses on reliability, it is also preparing to counter Ferrari's significant progress in Barcelona, where Lewis Hamilton secured his first win for the Scuderia. "If Ferrari presents an upgrade package to a race without our own response, it will narrow the gap," Allison said. "Of course, we are not without our own capabilities in this battle, and eventually, our car will receive its own upgrades."