George Russell Optimistic Mercedes Can Overcome Verstappen Challenge in 2025 with 'Final Warriors'

George Russell remains optimistic that the dedicated "Mercedes warriors" focused on the 2025 F1 car can successfully challenge the resurgent threat from Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the Constructors' Championship. Mercedes is currently solidifying its second-place position with 398 points, with Red Bull at 366 and Ferrari closely trailing with 362.

Why it matters:

Despite the significant regulatory changes anticipated for 2026, the remaining three races in 2025 hold substantial financial implications, with millions of dollars in prize money at stake for the final championship standings. For Mercedes, securing a higher position not only boosts their prestige but also provides crucial resources for future development, making Russell's confidence in the current car's 'final warriors' a key factor in their immediate ambitions.

The details:

• Resource Allocation: Russell stated that approximately 95% of the Mercedes team is already working on the 2026 car, reflecting a strategic shift towards future regulations.
• Trackside Focus: The team at the race track, however, remains entirely dedicated to optimizing the current year's car, which Russell refers to as the 'final warriors.'
• Driver Engagement: Russell himself confirmed that his simulator time is exclusively spent on the 2026 car, highlighting the team's forward-looking approach.
• 2026 Overtake Prediction: Russell made an "obscure" prediction for the 2026 season, suggesting an increase in overtakes in unexpected locations.
  • Battery Dynamics: He elaborated that if a trailing driver has more battery power in a specific track sector, they could execute overtakes into corners where such maneuvers were previously impossible.

The big picture:

Mercedes' strategy reflects a common trend in Formula 1: balancing immediate championship aspirations with long-term development under new regulations. While the majority of the team's resources are now aimed at 2026, the importance of maximizing performance and securing prize money in the remaining 2025 races cannot be understated. Russell's comments highlight the dual focus required to compete at the highest level while preparing for a significant regulatory overhaul.

What's next:

The performance of the "final warriors" on the current Mercedes W16 will be crucial in the remaining races of the 2025 season to maintain their constructors' standings advantage. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the 2026 regulations, where Russell anticipates a dramatic shift in racing dynamics, potentially leading to more unpredictable and thrilling overtakes thanks to new power unit characteristics.