Mercedes' hybrid mapping boosts straight-line speed

Mercedes’ one-two in Melbourne was driven as much by a superior 2026 power unit and software as by chassis performance, with team data and lap analysis pointing to more efficient hybrid energy deployment and different engine mappings as the decisive edge.

The works squad brought a new Mercedes power unit to the Australian Grand Prix and converted a commanding qualifying advantage—roughly seven to eight-tenths over rivals—into race pace; GPS traces and sector analysis showed Mercedes picking up time on the straights, notably the runs to Turns 6 and 9, and using more frequent lower-gear mappings to combine high corner speed with strong straight-line performance.

Reports also noted the works team had been able to optimize its package during Bahrain testing in ways customer teams were not running, magnifying the on-track gap under the new regulations.