Ferrari and Mercedes impressed during the Formula 1 tests in Barcelona, but according to Zak Brown, the real surprise came from a different team. The McLaren CEO has identified an unexpected rival after the Barcelona F1 test sessions: neither Ferrari nor Mercedes, but Red Bull. The power units developed in Maranello and Brackley showed excellent reliability and strong performance over long runs, confirming the progress made by both manufacturers. However, the Austrian team was far from being left behind, delivering encouraging signs that did not go unnoticed in the paddock. The overall feeling, according to the American manager, is that the four top teams are once again extremely close to each other.
As the start of the Formula 1 World Championship approaches, rumours and opinions continue to circulate throughout the paddock regarding the possible competitive order on track. The general consensus suggests that Mercedes could start the season with an advantage, thanks to a W17 that appears to offer the most complete overall package. Even so, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull seem much closer than many had initially predicted during the winter break. Beyond these teams, it is difficult to clearly identify other contenders capable of consistently fighting at the front.
Zak Brown is well aware of this scenario and sees the four top teams as the true challengers for the upcoming season. While several betting websites are strongly backing George Russell as a potential title contender, Max Verstappen should certainly not be excluded from the equation. This point had also been underlined by Riccardo Patrese, who noted that the Dutch driver may be the one who can adapt most quickly to the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
The real surprise is Red Bull
“The Red Bull engine was very strong in Barcelona,” Zak Brown explained to David Land. “I think everyone was pleasantly surprised. I would prefer not to be so impressed by what they have done, because they went out on track, completed many kilometres and they seem to be very competitive.”
“It looks like the ‘big four’ will remain the same, but it is difficult to understand at the moment in what order,” Brown continued. “If we were to go to Las Vegas today, I would say that Mercedes looks like the favourite, sitting here right now, but there is still a long way to go. Aston Martin only went out on track towards the end. There is no idea where Williams really is. I think the grid will be more spread out, which is to be expected with a new formula, at least for a while.”
Zak Brown’s assessment of the 2026 Power Unit landscape highlights the intense technical parity at the front of the Formula 1 grid. By identifying the Red Bull powertrain as a “pleasant surprise,” Brown is acknowledging that the transition to their own engine program has not hindered their competitive edge. As the teams head toward the final pre-season tests, the battle for supremacy between the established manufacturers and the new Red Bull project promises to be the defining narrative of the early season. While Mercedes may hold the title of early favorites, the reliability and mileage shown by all four top teams suggest that the 2026 World Championship will be a tactical war where the smallest technical advantage could decide the opening race in Melbourne.
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