Ocon sees Mercedes as 2026 favorite, expects Audi and Cadillac to struggle

Haas driver Esteban Ocon has tipped Mercedes as the potential favorite for the 2026 Formula 1 season based on early testing data, while predicting a tough start for new entrants Audi and Cadillac. The Frenchman was also pleasantly surprised by the general reliability shown across the grid during the recent Barcelona shakedown.

Why it matters:

Driver assessments of pre-season testing form a crucial early narrative for the upcoming campaign. Ocon's observations, coming from a driver in the midfield, offer a grounded perspective on the perceived competitive order before cars hit the track in Bahrain. His comments highlight the immediate challenge facing new manufacturers and the apparent strength of established frontrunners like Mercedes.

The details:

• Ocon pointed to Mercedes' impressive performance in Barcelona, where the team reportedly completed around 500 laps in three days with strong pace.
• He noted Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren also appeared to be in a good position following the test.
• The midfield battle behind them is expected to be tight between Visa Cash App RB, Alpine, and his own Haas team.
• Ocon placed Audi and Cadillac a step behind for now, acknowledging it's early but stating that's the current impression from testing.
• Audi, transitioning as a new power unit manufacturer, faced several technical issues in Barcelona, including a hydraulic leak.
• Cadillac, as an all-new team, was always anticipated to face development hurdles with its first car.

What's next:

Ocon emphasized that the true pecking order will only become clear at the season opener in Bahrain. For Haas, the immediate goal shifts from proving reliability—which they did by completing a high number of laps despite a last-minute shakedown at Fiorano—to finding outright speed. The coming weeks of analysis and preparation will be critical for all teams, especially those like Audi and Cadillac looking to overcome their early setbacks.