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Mercedes ramp up mind games ahead of 2026 F1 season

Toto Wolff claimed Red Bull has set the ‘benchmark’ in pre-season testing (David Davies/PA) — Toto Wolff claimed Red Bull has set the ‘benchmark’ in pre-season testing (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has declared Red Bull the early "benchmark" for the 2026 F1 season after their performance in pre-season testing.
Wolff's assessment followed Red Bull's impressive showing with their new power unit during the first testing session in Bahrain.
He specifically noted Red Bull's superior "energy deployment" on the straights, observed over both single and consecutive laps.
This statement comes despite Mercedes having previously been considered the pre-season favourite after earlier testing in Barcelona.
Red Bull has partnered with US giant Ford to produce its own power unit under the new F1 regulations.

Toto Wolff begins F1 mind games with bold Red Bull ‘benchmark’ claim — In full