George Russell steps up to defend the regulatory adjustments. The Mercedes driver believes that the main criticisms have been heard.
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While Formula 1 recently adjusted its technical rules, George Russell wanted to respond to the many criticisms surrounding these changes. According to him, the major concerns expressed at the start of the season have now been taken into account.
Since the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, several drivers had pointed out problematic behaviors, notably related to hybrid power units. The energy management, significant speed gaps, and certain situations deemed dangerous quickly fueled the debate.
A context marked by worrying incidents
These concerns took on a concrete dimension during the Japanese Grand Prix, where an impressive accident involving Oliver Bearman highlighted the risks related to speed differences on track. This episode accelerated the decision-making on the part of the governing bodies.
In response, several modifications have been approved and will come into effect this weekend in Miami. The goal: to make the cars more predictable, improve safety, and limit certain effects deemed harmful to the spectacle.
Faced with criticisms suggesting that he defends these changes only because of Mercedes’ current form, Russell reacted firmly.
“The real question is: what are we trying to improve with these changes? Wanting the fastest cars? Reducing dangerous speed differences? Avoiding speed loss at the end of the straight? Or eliminating lift and coast in qualifying?” he explains.
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The Briton states that the most problematic points have been corrected: “The main issue was lift and coast in qualifying, and that’s fixed. The big speed losses at the end of the straight, that’s fixed. The dangerous gaps during overtakes, that’s fixed.”
A clear red line for Russell
Among the proposals discussed in recent months, some have been rejected, notably a drastic reduction of electric power during the race. An idea that Russell considers totally incompatible with the DNA of the discipline.
“If we go down to 200 kW, we might as well race in F2. That’s not what people want” he states.
According to him, the FIA has generally met the drivers’ expectations. He nevertheless acknowledges that unanimity will be impossible.
“There will always be unhappy people, especially among those who are struggling. But we expressed our problems, and they have been fixed.”
A clear speech that contrasts with persistent criticisms and revives the debate on the balance between performance, safety, and spectacle in Formula 1.
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