George Russell 'can't wait' for fresh start with new F1 regulations

George Russell has openly expressed his eagerness for Formula 1's next major regulation reset, bluntly stating he 'can't wait' for the current competitive era defined by ground effect aerodynamics to end. The Mercedes driver, who joined the team at the start of this challenging cycle in 2022, sees the 2026 rules as a crucial opportunity for a fresh start after years of frustration.

Why it matters:

Russell's candid comments highlight the profound impact the 2022 ground effect regulations have had on team hierarchies, particularly for Mercedes. After dominating the sport for nearly a decade, the team has faced a persistent performance deficit to Red Bull and, more recently, McLaren and Ferrari. The regulation change represents a fundamental reset where past advantages are nullified, offering struggling teams their best chance to return to the front.

The details:

• Russell's tenure at Mercedes has coincided entirely with the team's competitive struggles, having joined from Williams just as the new era began. He has secured five wins but has not been in a sustained position to fight for a world championship.
• He described the current regulations as "very difficult to understand," a sentiment echoed by many engineers regarding the complex interplay between aerodynamics and car setup.
• The upcoming 2026 rules, featuring new power unit specifications and chassis regulations, provide what Russell called a "clean slate," resetting the development race and knowledge base for all ten teams.

The big picture:

Mercedes is not alone in viewing 2026 as a pivotal moment. Several teams, including Aston Martin and Alpine, have also struggled to master the current car philosophy. The shift represents the biggest technical gamble since 2022, with success or failure likely defining the competitive order for several subsequent seasons. For drivers like Russell, it's a chance to finally have machinery capable of consistently challenging for victories and the title.

What's next:

Russell acknowledged the uncertainty, stating "no one knows" who will nail the new regulations, but he approaches the challenge with an open mind and optimism. All teams are now deep into the development of their 2026 cars, with the pressure immense to avoid another multi-year cycle playing catch-up. Off the track, Russell took a moment to congratulate new world champion Lando Norris, praising his rival's "amazing" driving in the second half of the season.