Podcast: Sandbagging? Mercedes' reason to hide F1 testing pace

F1 Show
February 19, 2026

Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Which teams might be hiding their true pace in F1 testing? And why would they be sandbagging? Plus: drivers' dismay at cornering 20mph off the pace and your questions answered in our latest podcast episode

February 19, 2026

Formula 1 teams don’t tend to show their full hand in testing, but this year Mercedes may have more incentive than most to disguise its true pace.

In the latest episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes, our grand prix editor explores — along with host Bryn Lucas — what we can glean from the testing sessions in Bahrain so far, and why we’re still left in the dark over the competitive pace of Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes.

With the latter still under the microscope over its engine, which is understood to exploit a potentially game-changing loophole, could Mercedes be underplaying its pace to avoid losing an advantage?

Also coming under scrutiny are Formula 1’s new rules, heavily criticised by several drivers who have found that the quickest way to lap the Bahrain circuit is to cruise through some corners 20mph slower than they are capable of. Has F1 bent too far to appease the automotive manufacturers?

Mark also shares his thoughts on Barcelona and Spa sharing a slot on the F1 calendar as the series expands elsewhere; Lewis Hamilton’s temporary race engineer; and what teams will be able to achieve between the end of testing and the first race in Australia.

He answers your questions, on whether the pace of this year’s cars could come at too great a risk, as well as why Red Bull and Racing Bulls have come up with different solutions for the same engine.

We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below:

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Click to read more from Mark Hughes and don’t miss an episode by subscribing on any leading platform, or YouTube, where a video version accompanies the audio podcast.

Motor Sport F1 Show

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