Mercedes has enjoyed a return to the front of the F1 grid this year after years of being off consistent front-running pace.
Former F1 race engineer Rob Smedley believes that Mercedes’ struggles during the ground effect era have contributed to their current success in Formula 1. During the 2026 season, Mercedes has dominated with three wins from the first three races. This is a stark contrast to their performance in the previous years, where they struggled to maintain their early turbo-hybrid era dominance. Smedley, who worked with Mercedes-powered Williams, observed signs of complacency in the team during their successful period. He noted that experiencing setbacks and being challenged can be beneficial for a team’s long-term success. Mercedes’ current strong form is a result of their ability to learn from past failures and adapt to new challenges.
