Quote Originally Posted by Nitrodaze View Post
Mercedes is definitely sandbagging. They are at least 6 tenths ahead of everyone on. the same tyre. I think the whole engine debacle is causing them to sandbag.

The order that is shaping up is

Mercedes
Ferrari
Redbull
McLaren
Alpine
Haas or Racing Bulls
Williams
Aston Martin
Audi
Cadillac

But this may change by the end of Day 3. It may not be the order when we arrive at Melbourne also.

Mind you, the qualifying time from last season was 1:29.841. Russell's time this morning is 1:33.918, which is four seconds behind. There is still a lot of ground to catch up. If Russell's time turns out to be the fastest lap possible with these new 2026 cars, then the speed has been severely reduced to near F2 level, which is very bad for F1. It would mean the FIA has got the 2026 regulation very wrong. They have tweaked away the speed of F1.
I think with the information we know right now, that is about right on the money. I am really surprised Aston Martin hasn't made the jump.