P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has given a detailed break-down of why Mercedes should not be considered favourites heading into 2026.
Mercedes has responded to the rumors of being considered favorites in the 2026 Formula 1 season following significant changes.
Rival teams have suggested that Mercedes might be the frontrunners due to their success in adapting to major changes in the past.
The upcoming season will see substantial changes in power units and chassis, presenting new challenges and opportunities.
Team boss Toto Wolff remains cautiously optimistic about meeting the team’s targets, acknowledging the competition’s potential.
Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin emphasized that Mercedes still has work to do and that other teams are unlikely to overlook important details as in previous seasons.
He highlighted the necessity for continuous development and improvement to stay competitive in Formula 1.
