P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has a sneaky theory about Mercedes’ pace in Bahrain, as mind games between the two teams continue.
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen suspects Mercedes is concealing some power in Bahrain, amidst ongoing mind games with Red Bull.
While Mercedes impressed during Barcelona testing, their pace has dipped in Bahrain’s pre-season test, with reliability issues plaguing the team and Red Bull showing strong performance.
Verstappen questions Mercedes’ hidden power due to a suspected compression ratio trick, anticipating they are sandbagging and will unveil their true speed at the Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ trick involves adjusting the geometric compression ratio in their power unit, potentially gaining them up to 0.3 seconds per lap, stirring intrigue ahead of the 2026 season.
The chess match between Mercedes and Red Bull promises more twists as they vie for supremacy on the F1 grid.
