George Russell reveals Mercedes F1 isn’t fully focused on the 2026 car, highlighting a surprising trend in Formula 1 development strategies.
George Russell expected part of the grid to switch much more quickly to their 2026 development program. The Mercedes F1 driver has noticed that there is still a great deal of ongoing work on the current cars across the grid, which has surprised him.
“I think there are a number of factors that mean teams will continue developing their cars throughout last year, looking ahead to this season,” said Russell, who believed the summer would mark a turning point for everyone.
“While you’ve already heard that some teams are already at 100% on 2026, you have midfield teams probably already 75% focused on 2026. Then, at some point, the top four teams also have to pull the trigger.”
“Of course, we are already working exceptionally hard on 2026, but we are not working at 100% on 2026. I think that’s why this year is different from others, because by summer, I would have thought all teams would be fully focused on next year’s car.”
The Briton is convinced that all 11 teams on the grid next year will have a chance to deliver a surprise. “When you consider aerodynamic restrictions, we have to imagine that every F1 team can do something special next year.”
“When you look at the team that finished last in the Constructors’ standings last year, the amount of wind tunnel time they’ll have over a team like McLaren, for example, for 2026, is huge. When you’re in a new regulatory era, you find massive gains in performance with every week you spend in the wind tunnel.”
Williams is one of the most advanced teams in transitioning to 2026, and Russell anticipates a potential surprise from the Grove-based squad next year, given the progress they’ve already made.
“Maybe it won’t be one of the top four teams that’s the best next year. You’ve seen how well Williams is doing this year, and there are rumors that they’re already fully committed to next year.”
“They’ll have a Mercedes engine in the back. Maybe they’ll be the team to beat — no one knows. That’s why it’s such a difficult period for James Allison (Mercedes’ Technical Director) and Toto, who have to decide when to pull the trigger for next year.”