Try GOLD - Free
Red Bull very much the team to beat: Russell
The Straits Times
|February 15, 2026
George Russell produced the second fastest time in preseason testing on Feb 13, behind only his teammate Kimi Antonelli, but the English driver still insisted Mercedes had “taken a step back” in Sakhir.
-
Russell and Mercedes have long been tipped as title candidates for this season, as all the teams adapt to the rule changes which have led to a complete overhaul of chassis and engines, with a bigger focus on energy management.
The teams had a shakedown in Barcelona at the end of January and return to the track in Bahrain next week ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.
“Barcelona was very smooth (for Mercedes), and probably smoother than we actually anticipated, in terms of reliability, in terms of performance,” said Russell, at a press conference after topping the time sheets in the morning session.
“We've got to Bahrain and in both regards we've taken a step back.”
The 27-year-old, who finished fourth in the 2025 drivers’ championship, switched the spotlight from his own team to Red Bull.
This story is from the February 15, 2026 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
How therapy turned S. Korean artist into a best-selling author
The illustrator better known as Dancing Snail sought help for her depression, which turned her life around
3 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
Sinner advances to final with 'nothing to lose'
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner said that he has a “nothing to lose” mindset, as he eased his way into the Monte Carlo Masters final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semifinal win over Alexander Zverev on April 11.
2 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
US, Iran begin direct talks in Islamabad in bid to end the war
Conflicting accounts emerge of what was agreed as Tehran lays down its red lines
4 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
Trump team reveals plans for massive triumphal arch
US President Donald Trump's administration on April 10 revealed renderings for a colossal triumphal arch proposed for construction in Washington near some of the nation's most revered monuments.
1 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
Too pretty for a general? Chinese authorities police TV gender norms
Bid to dictate masculine ideals amid fears over perception of Chinese army draws flak
4 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
The risk of relying on spousal maintenance for all expenses after divorce
When the Family Justice Court awards spousal alimony, such payments are meant to be given for life, unless the recipient remarries or there is an approval to revoke it before either party dies.
3 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
Newborn orang utan and mum 'settling in beautifully' at Mandai
Visitors to the Singapore Zoo can now catch a glimpse of a three-week-old orang utan at the wildlife attraction in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
2 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
Hainanese eateries hang on to old-school charm
While heritage and hospitality are selling points, some of these family-run restaurants also see the need to innovate and stay relevant
11 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
With my own desk comes a sense of belonging
The writer thought an office table was just furniture, until her own disappeared.
5 mins
April 12, 2026
The Straits Times
More competition, changing tastes put heritage in Kampong Gelam at a crossroads
The community has to deal with the tension between retaining its past and modernising
8 mins
April 12, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size