As we close in on the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season with the new sweeping regulation changes, everyone expected Mercedes to deliver a competitive power unit.That assumption is based on how good Mercedes‘ first ever V6 turbo-hybrid was back in 2014, as they were fast out of the box and miles ahead of the competition.And while former Ferrari engineer Jock Clear doubted the situation in 2026 will be similar to that of 2014, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has now revealed some unencouraging information about the Mercedes power unit program.When asked about his view on the situations of the teams ahead of the 2026 F1 rules reset, Herbert said: “I’ve not heard anything from any teams as of yet.”But I have heard issues with Mercedes when they’ve tried putting the power units in the back of their car and it didn’t start. After rumours that Mercedes were in the strongest position for 2026, it doesn’t seem to be the case.
“It’s generally been quiet from the factories; teams are putting their heads down and preparing as best as they can,” the Briton went on. “I’m sure there will be a lot of little problems, as there always are when coming into a new year with a new car with new rules.
“There are a lot of unknowns. It’s different when the car is being tested in a factory and when it’s racing on a track,” he maintained.
The electricity is causing a headache
One of the challenges that the new 2026 power units present is having a much more powerful electric component that has to deliver the same power figures as the Internal Combustion Engine which compensates for the removal of the MGU-H.
That meant the teams required specialized staff to deal with the electric components, and Herbert pointed out: “Things are so different now; it’s not a given that McLaren will be the same.
“The active-aero, MGU-H not being part of it anymore, the fifty-fifty split with the battery and combustion engine too. It’s about how you make the battery last, because that’s been an issue in the simulators they’ve used. Technology has advanced so much in recent years that it’s going to be the main emphasis on how to be more efficient with the battery.
“I’ve heard that Formula E engineers, who are really good with configuring the efficiency of batteries and software, are being brought into Formula 1 to help with that aspect.
“Battery depletion will be the biggest issue this year. I hope it doesn’t interfere with the racing too much, to the point where drivers back off from each other and try to charge their batteries to overtake,” 61-year-old Herbert concluded.