Mercedes has released a teaser giving fans a first listen to the sound of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit. The short audio clip was shared on social media, offering a sneak peek of what the new engine will sound like. Honda is the second engine maker to release a similar preview ahead of F1’s upcoming regulation changes. Mercedes simply captioned the post, “Coming soon.”
Fans have already started comparing the sounds, with some saying they prefer Honda’s engine noise, while others think Aston Martin’s sounds better. One commenter even questioned if this engine sound could belong to a championship-winning car.
Mercedes is widely regarded as an early favorite under the new F1 regulations, thanks to its dominance in the V6 hybrid era. The Silver Arrows secured the World Constructors’ Championship consecutively from 2014 to 2021 and snagged their seventh straight drivers’ title during that period. However, during the Ground Effects era (2022-2025), Mercedes experienced limited success, managing just eight wins.
Despite this, Mercedes-powered McLaren won back-to-back constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, Mercedes will supply more F1 teams than any other manufacturer, including McLaren, Williams, and now Alpine. Mercedes concluded the 2025 season in second place in the constructors’ standings, with George Russell scoring two wins and finishing 4th overall, and rookie Kimi Antonelli placing 7th.
Fan Take: This teaser from Mercedes is exciting for racing fans as it hints at a competitive and thrilling new era of F1 power units. With Mercedes powering multiple top teams, the 2026 season could showcase some of the closest and most intense battles on the grid in years.
