Russell: Red Bull still leads energy deployment, but Mercedes narrows the gap

George Russell says Red Bull still leads energy deployment after Bahrain testing, but Mercedes has cut the deficit to a manageable level. Six days of data at Bahrain let Mercedes‑powered cars make rapid gains, turning a once‑‘scary’ one‑second‑per‑lap gap into a contestable margin. In the 2026 hybrid era, battery release timing is the new performance lever, and the opening races will reveal who can press the button best.

Why it matters:

• Deployment now outweighs aerodynamic advantage, making battery strategy the key to lap time.
• Mercedes narrowing the gap revives a three‑team fight for wins, raising the championship stakes.

The details:

• Russell says Red Bull’s deployment still looks the strongest on the grid after Bahrain testing.
• Mercedes‑powered cars cut the earlier estimated one‑second‑per‑lap deficit to a contestable margin over six days.
• Testing gave six days to fine‑tune deployment maps, while Melbourne offers only three practice hours before the race.

What's next:

• Melbourne’s Albert Park will be the first real‑world test of deployment tactics under race conditions.
• Mercedes aims to convert testing gains into qualifying and race pace, targeting podiums.