Jacques Villeneuve has expressed his opinions on Mercedes’ dominance in the early races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, stating that it does not compare to what the team experienced between 2014 and 2021. In this latter phase, the Brackley team dominated overwhelmingly, achieving seven driver titles with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, as well as eight constructors’ titles.
This year, Mercedes has started strongly, winning all races, including the Australian Grand Prix and the sprint race in China. However, Villeneuve believes that other teams will have the opportunity to adapt and manage their energy better during the races.
According to Villeneuve, the current dominance is not as pronounced as in 2014, when the speed difference with the rest was over a second. “They had a much bigger advantage and even a ‘boost’ system to further increase their speed. Now, moreover, there are other cars with Mercedes engines that can level the competition,” he commented on a Sky Sports Germany program.
The 1997 world champion also emphasized the design of the current Mercedes car, which he considers “easy to drive and well-balanced.” Villeneuve highlighted that driver George Russell shows extraordinary comfort during the races, with a performance that seemed like a walk in the park.
Furthermore, he noted that Ferrari drivers exhibited better racing skills and managed their energy more efficiently. “The early moments of the race are key, and they have demonstrated good strategy in competing with Russell,” he concluded.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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