Mercedes question McLaren gains as Hadjar admits Red Bull doubts

Mercedes has openly questioned the source of McLaren's Hungary pace, insisting there was "clearly more to it" than a simple upgrade package. In parallel, Red Bull newcomer Isack Hadjar admits the team's second seat history left him with "a few doubts" as he races alongside Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 championship fight heating up at the summer break, Mercedes' skepticism toward McLaren points to a technical mystery that could alter the development race. Meanwhile, Red Bull's second car remains F1's most scrutinized seat; Hadjar's survival and performance directly impact the constructors' standings where every point counts.

The details:

• Mercedes suggested McLaren's Hungary surge couldn't be explained by its new package alone, prompting rivals to look deeper into the papaya team's gains.
• Hadjar confessed to initial doubts about the Red Bull seat given recent second-driver failures, though Anthony Davidson noted he's handling Verstappen better than many predecessors.
• Andrea Stella highlighted Lando Norris's calm trajectory in Hungary as proof of his growth alongside ongoing friction with Oscar Piastri.
• Carlos Sainz confirmed he will decide his Williams future during the summer break.
• Toto Wolff praised Kimi Antonelli for disproving the idea that an "asshole" mentality is required to reach the top in F1.

Between the lines:

Mercedes isn't merely asking questions out of curiosity; in a title fight, understanding a rival's true performance delta is essential for allocating development resources. The fact they're voicing this publicly adds pressure on McLaren to maintain its form under scrutiny.

What's next:

The second half of 2026 will test whether McLaren's pace holds up to Mercedes' theory. At the same time, Sainz's looming decision and Hadjar's adaptation at Red Bull will shape both the driver market and the constructors' battle as the European season resumes.