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George Russell resists Verstappen’s ‘Formula E’ jab while highlighting a 2026 F1 flaw
George Russell does not share Max Verstappen’s view that the 2026 Formula 1 season feels like “Formula E on steroids” due to the updated regulations. Nevertheless, he points out an “annoying” driving quirk introduced by the new setup.
According to Russell, the redesigned power units—which blend electric and biofuel propulsion in a 50/50 split—force him to use unusually low gears at Bahrain’s corners to keep the turbo engaged. He likened this requirement to shifting into first gear while navigating a roundabout to the supermarket, underscoring how this aspect is not entirely intuitive or aligned with the car’s intended design.
George Russell remains open to evaluating the 2026 rules, but…
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The 2026 F1 regulations are generating mixed reactions as drivers begin to acclimate to the revamped cars. After completing a Barcelona-based shakedown, the群drivers moved to Bahrain for the first of two three-day testing sessions.
While reigning World Champion Lando Norris has described the experience as “a lot of fun,” other major figures such as Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen have voiced concerns.
Verstappen has been especially blunt, calling the new rules “anti-racing” and labeling the era as “Formula E on steroids.”
A central adaptation for many drivers is the heightened electrical power in the engines, which elevates the importance of energy management to on-track performance.
Russell offered a cautious but positive assessment of the rule changes, telling PlanetF1.com and others in Bahrain that he believes the evolution is a step forward and that the process will bring substantial advancements in the coming months. He noted that the driving experience feels noticeably improved—lighter and more agile than the previous generation—and described this as a positive development.
However, he acknowledged that the engine complexity is a bigger headache for engineers than for drivers, and he warned that Bahrain and Barcelona represent relatively forgiving test tracks for the power units. He cautioned that Melbourne or Jeddah could present more significant challenges for both engines and energy systems, suggesting a steeper learning curve ahead.
Regarding Verstappen’s “Formula E on steroids” remark, Russell gave a firm no, while pointing out a specific annoyance: the need to stay in very low gears through corners. He explained using the Bahrain roundabout analogy—where a third gear would have sufficed in the past, now first gear is required to maintain high revs and turbo activity. This shift can feel counterintuitive and hampers the natural flow of a lap.
Nevertheless, Russell emphasized that once you factor in the full 350 kilowatts of available power, the performance is compelling, and he remains optimistic about future progress as teams learn the new systems.
He also commented on the broader reception from fans and media, noting that drivers often complain about the technology when implementing new rules, while also recognizing the enormous audience following the sport. He suggested that even if the racing becomes a bit more chaotic, the current gap between the top and bottom teams might be larger than expected.
Is the new era of Formula 1 truly delivering better racing, or is it simply reshaping how it looks and feels to watch? Share your perspective in the comments.
Additional context and updates are available from PlanetF1 as the season unfolds.
