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20th March 2026, 18:16 #31Senior Member
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At preseason testing, the best time was 3 seconds from the 2025 quali time. That was surprising, knowing the top teams were sandbagging. In the last three races, some people have found evidence that Mercedes is sandbagging. Hence, they may be capable of 2025 times already.
Is hard tyres the best way to slow them down? I don't think so. Even with hard tyres, Mercedes would still be within 3 seconds of 2025 times. And it is possible now for the FIA to implement, as Pirrelli tested harder tyres for 2026 but chose not to use them for the races we have seen so far. Introducing harder tyres than was agreed with the teams at this point would not go down well with the teams. It will only increase criticism of the regulations, which are taking a battering at the moment.
The funny thing is that the cars are not actually that fast. It is the battery deployment that gives the impression that they fast relative to other cars without battery. Compared to the 2025 cars, the 2026 car drive power fluctuates from 500HP to close to 1000HP. On average, they probably top out at around 800HP on the straight due to battery levels and tyre wear. In reality, they are slower than the 1000HP 2025 car on the straight but faster at the corners.Last edited by Nitrodaze; 20th March 2026 at 18:29.
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Would you rather hear them bragging how they will be good next time and then event after the event fail miserably?
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