Russell disagrees with Verstappen's 'Formula E on steroids' critique of 2026 F1 cars

George Russell has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Max Verstappen's criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, dismissing the reigning champion's comparison of the new machinery to "Formula E on steroids." While Russell acknowledged one significant and "annoying" driving challenge with the new regulations, he expressed overall optimism about the cars' performance and future development potential.

Why it matters:

The public divergence in opinion between two top drivers highlights the ongoing debate and adjustment period surrounding F1's major regulatory shift for 2026. Verstappen has been vocal about his concerns, while Russell's more measured, development-focused perspective offers a counter-narrative. How drivers adapt to and ultimately judge these new cars will significantly influence the technical direction and public perception of the sport's next era.

The details:

• When asked by GPblog if he agreed with Verstappen's "Formula E on steroids" characterization, Russell's response was a blunt: "No."
• He identified one key operational challenge: the necessity to use much lower gears in corners to maintain high engine revs and keep the turbocharger spinning effectively under the new power unit rules.
• Specific Example: Using the Bahrain International Circuit's Turn 1 as an example, Russell noted it was traditionally a third-gear corner but now requires first gear with the 2026 prototype.
• He described this gearbox management as "quite annoying and isn't that intuitive," marking a clear departure from previous driving styles.
• Despite this critique, Russell was positive about the raw performance, stating, "you can't argue with the amount of power you have when you get the full 350 kilowatts."

What's next:

Russell emphasized that the current cars are just the starting point, anticipating "a huge amount" of progress in the coming months as teams develop their understanding and optimize the packages. His comments suggest a willingness to give the new technical era time to evolve, contrasting with Verstappen's immediate and stark criticism. The focus now shifts to how teams like Mercedes refine the drivability and address the specific handling quirks identified by their drivers before the 2026 season begins.