“My Mercedes is good, but the other top teams are still hiding.” With these words, Kimi Antonelli summed up his impressions after the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing sessions at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, where drivers are getting to grips with the brand-new generation of F1 cars.
Smaller and lighter than their predecessors, the 2026 single-seaters have already proven to be more complex than expected under the bodywork. Energy deployment has quickly emerged as a decisive factor. “Having consistent energy delivery is crucial. Knowing how to use the battery in the right way will make all the difference,” Antonelli explained. And that is not the only challenge. “Starts are not easy at all, but the FIA is trying to help us.”
Top teams still keeping their real pace hidden
As usual during testing, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the competitive order. None of the leading teams appear willing to show their true potential just yet. “None of the top teams are slow,” Antonelli told Sky. “McLaren in particular has shown that they have taken a significant step forward in terms of performance. They and Red Bull are still hiding.”
It is a familiar pre-season scenario in Formula 1: long runs, different fuel loads and engine modes masking the real picture. For fans and analysts alike, Bahrain has offered more questions than answers so far.
Start procedure concerns: turbo management and Red Bull’s approach
One topic that unites almost everyone in the paddock is the complexity of race starts under the new 2026 regulations. “They’re not simple,” Antonelli confirmed. “Without the MGU-H, we now have to bring the turbo up to pressure manually. To do that, you need to apply the throttle at exactly the right time so the turbo is ready when the lights go out. In some way, the FIA is trying to help us.”
At Sakhir, panels have been installed along the main straight to display a blue light indicating when five seconds remain before the start sequence begins. Even so, not all teams seem to struggle equally. “There are teams that appear not to need it. Red Bull, for example, applied the throttle only when the first light came on, not before. That’s probably because they have a smaller turbo compared to ours.”
This detail could prove crucial when the lights go out in Melbourne. While the FIA has confirmed there are no immediate plans to change the rules, starts may remain a major talking point at least until the opening race of the season.
Overtaking and battery modes: still a work in progress
With starts already under scrutiny, overtaking is another hot topic ahead of the 2026 F1 season. “Following another car isn’t easy, especially when you are within one second,” Antonelli said. “In that situation, the loss of downforce is significant, so overtaking is not straightforward. If you are two or three seconds behind, it’s better than last year, but that doesn’t mean passing will be easier. A lot will depend on the characteristics of each circuit and how energy is used throughout the lap.”
The new regulations have introduced specific boost and overtake modes designed to help drivers attack. However, their impact appears to vary from track to track. “To be honest, here in Bahrain they don’t make a big difference,” Antonelli admitted. “I expect them to have a greater effect on other circuits. They are tools that need to be used intelligently, because using them poorly can penalize you significantly.”
Energy consistency key to avoiding braking errors
During testing, several drivers have been seen making mistakes or locking up under braking. According to Antonelli, fluctuating energy deployment plays a significant role. “We are working a lot on having consistent battery usage on the straights, so that we can reach the end of the straight without sudden changes in speed and avoid lock-ups. In that sense, having smooth energy delivery will make a difference because you know what to expect when you hit the brakes. It will be a crucial aspect, especially in qualifying.”
With just two weeks to go before the first Grand Prix of the year, simulator work will be essential. “Working in the simulator will be fundamental. In Australia we will only have three free practice sessions, whereas here in Bahrain we had six days of testing to focus on battery management. We will try to prepare as much as possible; we want to be ready for every situation.”
As Formula 1 enters a new technical era, the fine details of energy deployment, turbo response and start procedures may ultimately shape the competitive balance between Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari in 2026. For now, Antonelli’s message is clear: performance is there, but the real picture will only emerge when the racing begins.
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