Wolff points to ‘very strong Verstappen’ as testing begins

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed concern over Red Bull and Max Verstappen's strong performance during the initial pre-season testing for the 2026 F1 season in Bahrain. While Mercedes had a productive start in Barcelona, Wolff noted 'complications on the car balance' in the hotter Bahrain conditions. He candidly admitted, 'We've seen a very, very strong Verstappen, so we have to get our act together.' Wolff praised Red Bull's car and power unit as the 'benchmark,' especially with Verstappen at the wheel, acknowledging their formidable combination. He also dismissed paddock chatter about Mercedes' perceived engine advantage as 'blown out of proportion,' attributing it to political lobbying.