Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is hopeful of a "classic" Formula 1 title fight next season that would see "Italian versus Italian".
For 2026, F1 ushers in a new era of regulations, with the power units switching to an equal split between combustion and electric, whilst the cars will run on 100 percent sustainable fuels.
The rules have resulted in F1 attracting engine manufacturing heavyweights, Audi and Ford, the latter partnering with Red Bull Powertrains as the Milton Keynes-based squad constructs its own PUs for the first time.
There have been suggestions that, as with the last major PU change ahead of the 2024 season, Mercedes again has the edge.
Wolff, though, has poured cold water on the suggestion.
"It’s all rumours, we know absolutely nothing," he said, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I expect Ferrari to be very competitive, and Honda has shown how strong they are. I expect a lot from them with Aston Martin.
"Then there’s Red Bull with their new engines, and then Audi. Everyone wants to be ready and competitive, and we’ll see who’s done the best job."
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Wolff: The duel is coming
If Mercedes does return to the head of F1 affairs, as it did in 2014 when it ruled the roost for eight years as a constructor, Wolff knows which team he would love to go up against - Ferrari!
The Austrian also feels it would set up an intriguing battle of the storied Italian team, with a line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, against the rising Italian talent in Kimi Antonelli, who has endured a tough period of late, but who many people believe will one day go on to become F1 champion.
Asked as to who he would prefer as his opponent next season, should Mercedes be out front, Wolff replied: "The answer is simple: Ferrari.
"Seeing Ferrari against Mercedes would be fantastic. A classic! And then Lewis and Charles against Kimi and George, an incredible challenge.
"An Italian driver against an Italian car: can you imagine that?
"I have no doubt this duel is coming, next year or in the future. We’ll see it, and it will be fantastic."
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