Mercedes driver George Russell makes a costly admission 

“The truth is, I think we have a strong power unit,” Russell said during preseason testing. “I think we've delivered a very good car. But right now, Red Bull [Racing] seemed, you know, to deliver the best, the best engine at the moment, and we've [Mercedes] got work to do. And we know history says they have also delivered a pretty decent car over the previous years. So of course, we would have wished otherwise, but this is F1 and everyone's pushing everyone to the limit. So let's see in Melbourne.”

Russell finished fourth in the World Drivers’ Championship (319 points) and won two races in 2025 (the Canadian Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix). He's hoping to finish the same, if not better, with the new rule changes this season.

Max Verstappen appears excited about Red Bull Racing’s car, but still has some questions

Verstappen just missed capturing his fifth consecutive world championship last season (a feat only accomplished by Michael Schumacher, 2000-04), losing by two points (421) to McLaren’s Lando Norris (423), who won it all in the final race in Abu Dhabi. 

Verstappen seems optimistic about Red Bull's chances in 2026, but he still has some questions about how the car will handle.

“It's, of course, amazing to see that you know as a new manufacturer to come in, and also for everyone you know, to see the new car and engine [Ford] together. It's like their little baby. And like I said, there's still, of course, a lot to learn, but at least I think we are heading in the right direction. Of course, there's still things that we want to do better for sure, I think we will never be satisfied, but like I said, at least we're not breaking down, you know. And I think that no one really expected that.” 

Verstappen’s new teammate, Isack Hadjar, echoed his excitement, saying, “It’s going better than they [Red Bull] hoped for.” 

“If anything, it's going a bit better than we hoped for more on the PU side, then on the balance understanding of the tire. We still have some work to do, which is normal. I mean, a lot of work to do, but I'm excited.”

With its duo of Verstappen and Hadjar (12th, 51 points), Red Bull Racing may have what it takes to recapture its throne as top dogs on the grid.