Russell surprised: “Red Bull has the best energy system.” But is it really true?
George Russell has no doubts: after the 2026 pre-season tests, Red Bull possesses the best energy management system on the entire grid. In a year that revolutionizes the role of the electric component, the ability to recover and deploy power has become a decisive factor. While drivers remain divided on the new driving dynamics, the paddock is closely observing a technical balance that could shift from circuit to circuit.
Red Bull ahead, Mercedes chasing
The new 2026 power units, with a larger electric quota, have introduced entirely new scenarios: from possible changes in shifting on the straights to differences in energy recovery from one track to another. Despite criticism from Max Verstappen, who compared the new Formula 1 to “a Formula E on steroids,” drivers must get used to this new “management” — the word of the year in F1 — and for now, everyone seems to recognize the quality of Red Bull’s work.
Toto Wolff had already described the RB engine as “the benchmark,” and George Russell confirmed the impression: “Their deployment still seems to be the best on the grid, which is well-deserved for them, and I think it has come as a surprise to everyone.”
However, the British driver also sees encouraging signs at Mercedes: “I believe the Mercedes-powered teams have made a lot of progress since the first day in Bahrain last week, so the gap has narrowed drastically. But of course, we’re only on the sixth day of testing in Bahrain, while in Melbourne there will be only three hours of free practice, and that’s the main concern.”
A system that changes from track to track
The biggest unknown is variability: what works in Bahrain might not work elsewhere. With its mixed layout, Sakhir provides ideal conditions for energy recovery, but Melbourne and Jeddah present completely different challenges.
Oscar Piastri explained it clearly: “On some circuits, we’ll be much more limited in energy harvesting compared to here. […] In Melbourne, I think, if you don’t manage it correctly, the energy would run out very, very quickly.”
He added further: “It all depends on the track layout. Jeddah is another example, a place with long straights connected by fast corners, where it’s very difficult to gather energy, and that’s where the biggest anomalies occur.”
The McLaren driver also highlighted the operational complexity of the new system: “It’s a bit different because you’re not only managing the throttle, so to speak. […] Melbourne will be very different, I believe, and it will be a challenge for all of us, I’m sure.”
The tests offered a first glimpse of the new technical balance in F1 2026: Red Bull seems to start with an advantage in energy management, Mercedes has closed the gap, and the variability between circuits promises constantly changing scenarios.
Melbourne will serve as the first true litmus test, leaving teams with just three practice sessions to figure out who has truly mastered the nuances of this new hybrid era. As the “energy management” battle intensifies, the ability to adapt software maps to specific track layouts will likely decide the winner of the Australian Grand Prix.
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