P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Johnny Herbert issues ‘gut feeling’ verdict as major Red Bull and Ferrari questions raised
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes that Mercedes appears strong for the 2026 season, however, he acknowledges the competition from Red Bull and Ferrari.
Many consider Mercedes as favorites due to their dominance during the turbo-hybrid era and strong performance in the recent Barcelona shakedown test.
Ferrari showed promise by introducing new parts in testing, with Lewis Hamilton setting the quickest lap. Red Bull’s new power unit also impressed, catching attention in the paddock.
Questions remain for both Red Bull and Ferrari, regarding engine supplier changes and converting testing performance into race pace.
Herbert emphasized it’s early to predict the season’s outcome, with uncertainty until the first race, acknowledging Mercedes’ strength but highlighting Red Bull and Ferrari’s potential as well.
