Dutch Formula 1 commentator Olav Mol expressed significant surprise regarding Mercedes’ performance during the opening day of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. Speaking on Ziggo Sport Race Café, Mol indicated that the German outfit is facing more issues than publicly acknowledged.
During the second practice session at the Hungaroring on Friday, George Russell secured the fifth-fastest time. However, Russell’s lap was nearly a second slower than the pace set by Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s teammate, finished the session in thirteenth position. Antonelli’s running was compromised by a red flag incident and a locking wheel, preventing him from setting a representative lap time.
Mol highlighted a specific statistic comparing Mercedes to Audi, which he found concerning. He stated, ‘That was really not cool.’ Mercedes representatives themselves admitted to being ‘surprised’ by their Friday showing, describing it as a ‘strange Friday’.
‘Mercedes has more problems than they want to admit,’ Mol commented. ‘I just saw a statistic of Mercedes compared to Audi. That was really not cool.’
Conversely, George Russell claimed he had ‘expected’ the performance, suggesting a potential disconnect within the team regarding their current situation. Mol does not anticipate Russell finishing in the top three this weekend.
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduced substantial changes to both engine and chassis regulations. A key aspect is the new power unit formula, which mandates a 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power.
This shift has led to increased energy management challenges for drivers. Lando Norris has been vocal in his criticism, describing the new cars as the ‘worst’ ever due to the battery rules.
Max Verstappen also voiced concerns about the new regulations earlier this season, calling them ‘not correct’ after an incident at the Australian Grand Prix.
Earlier in the season, Mercedes was at the centre of a controversy regarding engine compression ratios. The FIA subsequently revised regulations to control compression ratios under both hot and cold conditions from June 1, 2026.
Mercedes supplies power units to McLaren, Williams, and Alpine this season. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had previously dismissed claims that Mercedes would hold an engine advantage under the new 2026 rules.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has demonstrated strong form this season, securing four consecutive victories and holding a 43-point lead over George Russell in the World Championship standings following the Canadian Grand Prix.
Russell has also encountered ‘mystery Mercedes F1 problems’ during the current campaign, further complicating the team’s performance trajectory.
