P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The F1 2026 pecking order is far from known, but this former driver thinks Mercedes has a lot more to show.
Seven-time F1 grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested Mercedes may have several seconds worth of pace in reserve, according to the AS Colombia podcast. The Brackley-based squad impressed at the Barcelona shakedown event with the most laps completed, but Montoya claims they could still be three to four seconds faster, indicating they have not shown everything. Mercedes’ reliable power unit during the test bodes well for its customer teams McLaren and Alpine, hinting at potential advantages during the season. Montoya also speculates that if Mercedes proves dominant, all teams using their engine could benefit greatly throughout the campaign.
