George Russell expressed optimism about Mercedes' new 2026 Formula 1 car following a positive Barcelona shakedown, describing it as not a 'turd' but cautioning that it's too early to predict championship success. The British driver, favored for the title after a strong 2025 season, highlighted the challenges of the new regulations while praising rivals like Red Bull. Team principal Toto Wolff echoed the tempered expectations, emphasizing the need for proven performance.
Mercedes launched their 2026 Formula 1 car on Monday, February 2, 2026, with driver George Russell entering his eighth season in the sport. The 27-year-old Briton, who secured five Grand Prix victories and finished fourth in the 2025 standings, topped pre-season title odds after what many viewed as his best year yet behind Max Verstappen.
Last week's shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provided encouraging signs for the Silver Arrows. Mercedes completed the most mileage among teams, with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli running a full race simulation. Engineering director Andrew Shovlin described the three days as better than hoped, noting the car's reliability and alignment with simulator data.
"Obviously we've only driven the car for three days and it's still very early days, but it doesn't look like it's a turd, which is a bonus," Russell said at the launch. He added, "The numbers we're seeing from the aero on the car match what we see back on the simulator, how the car is handling is matching how it feels on the simulator. So this is something we've not really experienced since 2021 as a team."
The 2026 season introduces sweeping regulation changes to chassis and power units, reminiscent of Mercedes' dominance after the 2014 engine switch, when they won eight straight titles. However, Russell contrasted this with 2022's ground-effect era, where porpoising issues hampered the team, allowing Red Bull and McLaren to claim championships.
Russell remains wary of competitors. "We've been quite surprised by what we've seen from some of our rivals, especially on the Red Bull power unit side, that looks very impressive considering they're a completely new outfit and reliable as well," he noted, giving kudos to the Ford-partnered effort. Ferrari's unit also appeared reliable, with Haas logging substantial laps using it.
Team boss Toto Wolff dismissed complaints from rivals like Audi, Ferrari, and Honda about potential Mercedes engine loopholes on compression ratios, calling them distractions. "It's legal and it's what the regulations say," he stated. Wolff praised Russell's credentials but stressed, "It is always the best driver and the best car that wins, and we have not proven yet that we have a package that is good enough."
Russell shrugged off his favorite status: "I feel ready to fight for a world championship and whether we have that comment above us or not, that does not change my approach one single bit." He expressed excitement for adapting to new elements like energy management, boost systems, and active aero, believing quicker learning could benefit him.
Two Bahrain tests precede the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, 2026, where the true pecking order will emerge. Mercedes, absent from title contention since 2021, appears in a stronger starting position than recent years.
