George Russell admits ‘I’d be a fool’ to say one thing about Mercedes under the 2026 F1 regulations

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Mercedes driver George Russell enters 2026 with his eyes wide open, as F1 introduces the biggest overhaul of the regulations so far with new engine and aerodynamic rules.

Never before has F1 changed the rulebook to such an extent, with the series incorporating a raft of regulations to support the increase in electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels. F1 engines will move from a 20/80 split between electrical and combustion power up to 50/50.

The increase in electrical power obliged F1 to also overhaul the aero and chassis regulations to avoid drivers having to excessively lift and coast to regen power. F1 has even reduced the minimum car weight by 30kg and made cars smaller, as well as having narrower Pirelli tyres.

Power units are also expected to be the biggest performance differentiator under the 2026 F1 regulations due to the increased electrical power. And Mercedes are widely expected to have the best engine, after they dominated when F1 introduced turbo-hybrid units in 2014.

George Russell would ‘be a fool’ to 100% believe Mercedes will dominate under the 2026 F1 regulations

Russell is also optimistic about Mercedes’ chances in F1’s 2026 rules cycle, as the new aero rules are more in line with the regulations in use prior to the ground effect era from 2022 to 2025. Mercedes won seven drivers’ titles from 2014 to 2021 but then lost their way in 2022.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the 2026 F1 engine and aero regulations

But while the 2026 F1 regulations could present Russell with a big chance to fight for the F1 drivers’ championship for the first time in his career, the Briton admits he would “be a fool” to 100% back Mercedes to be the team to beat given the scale of the overhaul of the rulebook.

“I’d be a fool to say I’m putting all my money on Mercedes,” Russell told Auto Motor und Sport. He added: “Next year’s aerodynamic regulations are closer to what we had in the previous era when Mercedes dominated the field.”

Russell also believes in Mercedes’ potential for the 2026 regulations era due to their historic place in the pecking order among the engine manufacturers, particularly in the turbo-hybrid era since 2014. He noted: “Mercedes have been the benchmark in this area for many years.”

F1’s 2026 engine regulations could see Mercedes fight for drivers’ titles again

Mercedes stole a march on their rival engine manufacturers when F1 first introduced turbo-hybrid in 2014, as the Silver Arrows started developing their 1.6L V6 power unit long before the other brands. The Brackley bunch even benefitted from their early advantage until 2021.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

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But Mercedes never got to grips with the ground-effect regulations that F1 then introduced in 2022, which moved the advantage away from the engine and towards the floor and aero package. Now, the 2026 regulations will put the advantage back in favour of the power unit.

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has heard Mercedes’ 2026 F1 rules engine is in a “great place”, as the Enstone outfit now become a power unit customer of the Silver Arrows. Alpine will take up the Mercedes engine supply that Aston Martin left to become the exclusive Honda team.

Russell previously tried to play down Mercedes’ 2026 F1 rules engine being the best, yet he has shown increasing optimism in the team’s project in recent months. Speaking in October, Russell suggested that only McLaren would not swap cars with Mercedes for the 2026 rules.