Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ferrari are looking strong; and Red Bull-RBPT Ford are up there too. The big F1 face-off for 2026, though, could well be the factory Mercedes versus their prime, World Championship-winning customers - McLaren. How do the W17 and the MCL40 shape up after the Bahrain tests? Has the works team closed the gap? And what differences between them still remain? Craig Scarborough assesses the two contenders to be raced in 2026 by George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
With thanks to Jetcraft, the world's largest buyer and seller of executive jets:
jetcraft.com
To TrackNinja, a lap-timer and data app designed to help users improve their on-track car and driver performance through analysis and an innovative Data Garage. A lite version is free; the loaded edition is US$9.99 pcm or $99.99 yearly
https://trackninja.app
To OEM Exclusive, the passionate suppliers of OEM upgrades for exotic and high-performance vehicles
And to REC Watches, whose timepieces are infused with DNA and actual material from famous racing and road cars. Claim your additional 10 per cent discount by adding the codeword PETER:
recwatches.com/next-project
Follow Craig @ScarbsTech
Follow Peter @peterwindsor
Book a Cameo with Peter: cameo.com/peterwindsor
Images: Mercedes and McLaren
Visit alpinestars.com for all your racing apparel
Try Oscar Razors - Australia's highly-rated, 5-blade razors for men and women
https://oscarrazor.com.au.
Contact us at: peterwindsoryt@gmail.com
We support the Race Against Dementia:
raceagainstdementia.com
The Alora dog rescue shelter (Malaga, Spain)
aloradogrescue.com
#standwithukraine - now, more than ever
#Canada! #jimmykimmel!
Stephen Gallacher Golf Foundation
sgfoundation.co.uk
Nick: you're with us always:
samaritans.org
Ferrari are looking strong; and Red Bull-RBPT Ford are up there too. The big F1 face-off for 2026, though, could well be the factory Mercedes versus their prime, World Championship-winning customers - McLaren. How do the W17 and the MCL40 shape up after the Bahrain tests? Has the works team closed the gap? And what differences between them still remain? Craig Scarborough assesses the two contenders to be raced in 2026 by George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
With thanks to Jetcraft, the world's largest buyer and seller of executive jets:
jetcraft.com
To TrackNinja, a lap-timer and data app designed to help users improve their on-track car and driver performance through analysis and an innovative Data Garage. A lite version is free; the loaded edition is US$9.99 pcm or $99.99 yearly
https://trackninja.app
To OEM Exclusive, the passionate suppliers of OEM upgrades for exotic and high-performance vehicles
And to REC Watches, whose timepieces are infused with DNA and actual material from famous racing and road cars. Claim your additional 10 per cent discount by adding the codeword PETER:
recwatches.com/next-project
Follow Craig @ScarbsTech
Follow Peter @peterwindsor
Book a Cameo with Peter: cameo.com/peterwindsor
Images: Mercedes and McLaren
Visit alpinestars.com for all your racing apparel
Try Oscar Razors - Australia's highly-rated, 5-blade razors for men and women
https://oscarrazor.com.au.
Contact us at: peterwindsoryt@gmail.com
We support the Race Against Dementia:
raceagainstdementia.com
The Alora dog rescue shelter (Malaga, Spain)
aloradogrescue.com
#standwithukraine - now, more than ever
#Canada! #jimmykimmel!
Stephen Gallacher Golf Foundation
sgfoundation.co.uk
Nick: you're with us always:
samaritans.org
