Russell: McLaren Team Orders for Piastri in Abu Dhabi Would Be 'Unacceptable'

George Russell has emphatically stated that McLaren giving team orders to Oscar Piastri in the upcoming Abu Dhabi title decider would be "unacceptable." Despite Piastri being 16 points behind teammate Lando Norris and Max Verstappen also in contention, Russell believes both drivers should be given a fair shot at the championship.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's 2026 power unit project is generating significant buzz, with rumors suggesting it could be an 'extreme' and top-tier contender, potentially matching Mercedes. However, this ambitious design is currently battling major reliability issues. The Scuderia is reportedly investing heavily in advanced technologies to overcome these hurdles, aiming to reclaim a competitive edge in Formula 1.

The details:

• Italian motorsport reports indicate Ferrari's 2026 engine is 'extreme' and could rival Mercedes', currently considered the benchmark in the field.
• The primary challenge remains reliability, a recurring issue for aggressive power unit designs, reminiscent of past struggles.
• Advanced Technology Focus: Ferrari is exploring cutting-edge Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology. This technique combines different metal powders with other materials, such as ceramic, to create optimal components for the power unit. This could lead to:
  • Improved reliability and enhanced cooling performance, a critical factor for competitive F1 engines.
  • Creation of complex and diverse geometric shapes, allowing for greater innovation in component design and aerodynamic efficiency.
• Aerodynamic Optimization: Staff at Maranello are also reportedly working on optimizing the size of radiators to further improve aerodynamic efficiency, crucial for overall car performance.

The big picture:

Ferrari's history is filled with moments of engineering brilliance and periods of struggle. The 2026 regulations offer a clean slate, and Ferrari appears to be taking an aggressive, high-risk, high-reward approach. If they can harness the power of their 'extreme' engine while mitigating reliability, it could mark a significant shift in the competitive order, potentially ending their long drought without a drivers' championship since 2007.

What's next:

While the success of any 2026 project is uncertain, these developments highlight Ferrari's aggressive strategy to return to the top. The upcoming Project 678, set to be Chassis Director Loic Serra's first car since joining Maranello in October last year, is expected to debut Ferrari's new direction. If the rumors of power and innovation hold true and reliability issues can be resolved, Ferrari could surprise the grid and re-establish itself at the pinnacle of Formula 1.