P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton has warned the 2026 F1 season could be “done,” after raising concerns about the “extra power” from former team Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton has raised concerns about the “extra power” from former team Mercedes, warning that the 2026 Formula 1 season could be at risk.
Mercedes’ W17 showed significant dominance at Albert Park, with George Russell clinching pole position and Isack Hadjar trailing behind second-placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli by five tenths.
The team’s power unit, utilizing a controversial compression ratio loophole, is expected to give Mercedes an edge over its rivals throughout the season.
Hamilton expressed disappointment at the potential advantage gained through the compression loophole and vowed to push his team to match it with more power.
A rule change in June could level the playing field by threatening Mercedes’ advantage, giving other teams a chance to catch up in the remaining seven races of the season.
Hamilton acknowledged the importance of performance in the early races, as being behind by a second in qualifying could lead to a significant points disadvantage.
It remains to be seen how Mercedes and its competitors will navigate the challenges presented in the upcoming races of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
