Who is the favorite for the Australian GP? Steiner makes his prediction after Bahrain testing. Steiner names Mercedes as early favorite.

The Bahrain tests, despite some remaining question marks, have provided an initial snapshot of the competitive order ahead of the new Formula 1 season. With the introduction of the new regulations, the balance of power may have shifted significantly. According to former Haas team principal Günther Steiner, the Bahrain test sessions may already have revealed the early favorites for the first race of the F1 season, set to take place in Melbourne.

The favorite for Australia

Ferrari concluded the Bahrain test by setting the fastest overall lap time, finishing ahead of the McLaren of Lando Norris and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen. However, in an interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de, Steiner shared a broader view of the competitive picture.

“The winner is Mercedes. They are really strong. But I would also name the other three big teams: McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari. The four of them are ahead,” he stated, underlining that the leading group appears clearly defined after pre-season testing.

Looking specifically at the season opener, scheduled for the weekend of 6–8 March at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit, Steiner identified a single standout favorite: “For me, the favorites in Australia are Mercedes and George Russell as the driver. His teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, is very young, but also very good – just simply young.”

Teams were given two official test sessions in Bahrain, along with a collective shakedown in Barcelona. In total, the grid enjoyed nine days of track action: six at the Sakhir circuit and three at the Catalan venue. This extensive pre-season programme allowed teams to gather crucial data under the new technical regulations and refine their 2026 challengers ahead of the opening Grand Prix.

According to the former Haas team principal, one outfit that fell slightly short of expectations during pre-season was Aston Martin. The team was only partially able to complete its planned programme due to issues related to the new Honda power unit and certain delays. Cadillac, too, failed to fully convince Steiner during these early running sessions, leaving some doubts about its competitive position heading into the Australian Grand Prix.