George Russell mentioned Method 1 shouldn’t decide its new guidelines too swiftly after a number of of his rivals criticised the most recent technology of vehicles.
Whereas many drivers raised issues over how F1’s new guidelines for 2026 have affected the dealing with of the vehicles, Max Verstappen was probably the most forthright critic. The Purple Bull driver mentioned the quantity of power conservation drivers must do is “not Method 1.”
Russell acknowledged Verstappen’s reservations concerning the guidelines adjustments however identified F1’s new energy items are nonetheless at an early stage of growth and have vital room for enchancment.
“The issues he raises are legitimate issues,” Russell advised Viaplay. “My view is it’s day 4 of a three-year interval of growth. Everytime you construct one thing new, it’s by no means good on day one. It evolves and it develops and it’s not good.”
The Mercedes driver mentioned F1’s final energy unit guidelines change 12 years in the past took time to ship. “I like to remain open-minded,” he mentioned. “It’s day 4 of driving these new vehicles and we’ll be doing this for 3 years. There’ll be quite a lot of progress in three years.
“Should you take a look at the engines in 2014, many drivers complained. Then, by the top of the rules, the engine was the strongest engine we’ve ever seen in Method 1. So it’s a bit untimely to speak too loudly, nevertheless the issues they’re elevating are arguably justifiable.”
Some drivers have expressed issues over the issue of mastering their complicated new pre-start procedures, and the elevated threat of a crash in the beginning if a automotive strikes away very slowly or slides because of this. Oscar Piastri warned the state of affairs is a “recipe for catastrophe” forward of the primary race in Australia subsequent week.
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Russell admitted the begins are “an actual problem, to be sincere.”
“These vehicles, typically for the engineers, it’s probably the most complicated and sophisticated vehicles that we’ve ever witnessed. We’ve got made quite a lot of progress since Barcelona on the race begins itself, I don’t learn about different groups, I hope come Melbourne it’ll be superb.”
Nevertheless he mentioned different features of the brand new guidelines, such because the decreased measurement and weight of the vehicles, are constructive.
“It’s enjoyable, to be sincere. The vehicles being smaller and lighter is unquestionably nicer to drive and also you see the entire drivers sliding a bit extra and combating the automotive extra. We didn’t see this with the large vehicles as a result of they have been too heavy and too large. Now it feels extra like a go-kart in order that’s good.”
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