Russell gets ahead of the 2026 competition ‘I already started’
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
Although the 2025 Formula 1 season has yet to begin, many drivers are already looking at the 2026 season. This is because 2026 is the first year of completely new regulations. While the drivers and teams are still trying to find their balance between the two seasons, this one driver has already started practicing for 2026.
After the introduction of the current regulations, Mercedes has had a hard time climbing back to the top, one thing they do not seem keen to repeat. With that comes lots of work ahead of 2026, which George Russell has already begun.
Russell on 2026 simulation work
During the pre-season testing day 1 press conference, the drivers were asked if they had completed simulation work for the 2026 regulations, and Russell was the only one who had done so. He said, “I already started just with a few sort of concept stuff.”
About his 2026 simulator work, Russell said, “The problems that were being spoken about a year ago or so, they won't be as drastic. A number of drivers have driven the 2026 tyres, which are going to be narrower tyres to try and help reduce the drag.”
He continued, “That was a bit of a challenge compared to the wide tyres we have today. It was quite a step worse for the tyres, naturally, because they're just much more narrow. So hopefully they will be improved over the coming months."
Finally he concluded, "But, yes, I think it's going to be an exciting year next year as well.”
Russell is joined by rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2025 season, which kicks off in seven days. As the most experienced driver at Mercedes, Russell has a lot to prove before his contract is up for renewal.
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