Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell says his squad is now on the back foot as Red Bull is the "team to beat" at the start of 2026.<br>Mercedes was put on the pedestal before the start of pre-season testing amid rumours over its powerful new engine, and its reliable running in Barcelona's shakedown did little to dispel that the Brackley-based squad was poised to kick off the new rules era on ...<a class='more' href='https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/george-russell-bahrain-f1-test-a-reality-check-for-mercedes-as-red-bull-ahead/10797521/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-F1&utm_term=News&utm_content=www'>Keep reading</a>