General · 13 February 2026
Verstappen hints Mercedes may be concealing speed at Bahrain test
Max Verstappen has accused Mercedes of deliberately concealing their true pace during pre-season testing in Bahrain. The four-time world champion disputed Toto Wolff’s suggestion that a controversial engine compression ratio offers only a negligible power advantage, arguing the actual gain is significantly higher. Verstappen believes the German manufacturer is employing diversion tactics to shift pressure onto Red Bull before the season opener in Melbourne, predicting they will suddenly reveal more speed.
Reported by motorsport.com · How we write briefs