An interview with Bradley Lord conducted by Marco Sassara provides several important insights into Mercedes’ current Formula 1 programme. In modern F1, competing interests are always at play, and when the FIA’s evaluation also works in your favour, there is little reason to complain.
At the same time, however, some would argue that it would be more straightforward to simply acknowledge the strength of Mercedes’ power unit rather than hide behind regulatory interpretations. Beyond the ongoing ADUO discussion, there are also indications that additional upgrades are already nearing completion for the W17.
Mercedes backs the FIA’s ADUO decision
When discussing the allocation of benefits under the ADUO system, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord left no room for ambiguity, offering full support for the FIA’s methodology and conclusions.
Lord stressed that the FIA’s assessment is based on solid technical foundations and rigorous measurements focused exclusively on internal combustion engine performance. According to Mercedes, the process follows clear and objective criteria rather than subjective interpretations.
At the same time, he acknowledged that Red Bull’s frustration is understandable. Being identified as the benchmark power unit manufacturer while not necessarily possessing the fastest overall package on track can naturally create a perception of inconsistency.
Nevertheless, Mercedes remains fully aligned with the FIA’s conclusions and has no intention of challenging the process. The Brackley-based team believes the governing body’s analysis should be respected and allowed to run its course without being dragged into unnecessary controversy.
Of course, some observers might argue that such confidence is easier to maintain when the outcome is beneficial. Had the decision gone in the opposite direction, the reaction from Brackley may well have been considerably less restrained.
Mercedes rejects claims of sandbagging
The conversation then shifted to the complexity of Formula 1’s 2026 regulations and the development race surrounding the new generation of power units.
On this subject, Bradley Lord firmly dismissed any suggestion that Mercedes or any other manufacturer has deliberately hidden performance or operated below its true potential. According to the British manager, the engineering challenge posed by the current regulations is simply too demanding for anyone to afford such tactics.
Every manufacturer is pushing as hard as possible to extract performance while balancing the constant risk of reliability problems. Mercedes itself has experienced that reality firsthand, with several recent issues affecting both the factory team and its customer operations.
Lord argued that Formula 1’s competitive nature leaves no room for holding back. The objective is always to operate at the limit, making the idea of intentionally sacrificing performance highly unrealistic in the current environment.
Further Mercedes upgrades already on the horizon
When questioned about the timeline for future developments on the Mercedes W17, Bradley Lord reiterated a philosophy that has long characterised the team’s approach: secrecy.
Mercedes traditionally develops its upgrades behind closed doors and avoids discussing future packages before they are ready. The team has consistently rejected the trend of publicly announcing development plans months in advance.
The philosophy remains straightforward. Engineers follow their development roadmap and only introduce new components once the data confirms a genuine and measurable performance gain. Until then, the details remain strictly within the walls of the factory.
That strategic silence, however, does not mean development has stopped. Quite the opposite.
According to information gathered by our editorial team, Mercedes is expected to bring further modifications to the W17 between the Belgian Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix. The objective is clear: maintain its position at the front while taking another step forward in performance.
There is good reason for the team to remain aggressive with development. Ferrari has made significant progress through a series of upgrades that have delivered encouraging results, while McLaren remains a constant threat despite its recent difficulties.
For Mercedes, standing still is not an option. Even with ADUO concessions and a strong power unit package, the team understands that continued development will be essential if it wants to preserve its advantage and remain at the top of Formula 1 throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
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