Pre-race predictions were confirmed at the 2026 Formula 1 opener in Melbourne. Mercedes appears to have made a significant step forward compared to the competition, with rivals such as Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull estimating at least half a second of deficit to make up. A challenge that is anything but simple, although it is also true that, due to its characteristics and current strengths, the ...<a class='more' href='https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-mercedes-advantage-in-f1-2026-goes-beyond-the-engine/10803973/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-ALL&utm_term=News&utm_content=uk'>Keep reading</a>