George Russell has drawn a fascinating comparison between the early work on the 2026 F1 regulations and the act of “digging for gold”. According to the Mercedes driver, starting early on the development of the new F1 regulations for 2026 does not guarantee immediate success, as teams face many uncertainties about the final outcome.
As Formula 1 teams gear up for the transition to the 2026 regulations, they will encounter significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles will be balancing the development of their current cars while also working on the next-generation machines. This dual focus will demand a great deal of resources, particularly for the top teams, as they must decide how much to invest in their potential championship campaigns while preparing for the future.
The FIA’s ban on wind tunnel and CFD testing until 2025 will further complicate matters, ensuring that no team with greater resources gets an unfair advantage by starting earlier. Russell emphasized that while in-season development did not have an impact on the pecking order in previous seasons, the situation with the 2026 F1 regulations could prove different.
Looking back at the 2021 season, Russell pointed out how Mercedes stopped developing their 2021 car much earlier than Red Bull, who continued to improve their car while fighting for the title. By the end of 2021, Mercedes had the quickest car, but once the new era started in 2022, Red Bull emerged as the dominant force.
In response to questions about Mercedes’ 2025 upgrade package, Russell explained that it would not give any clear indication of what will happen in 2026. As he put it, “It’s like digging for gold. For the 2026 regulations, you’re digging, but you don’t know if you’re digging in the right places.”
Looking ahead, Russell acknowledged that the real progress in the development of the 2026 F1 cars will only come when teams get their cars onto the track. “Ultimately, when you start and you drive the car for the first time, that’s when people are going to start making the biggest gains,” he concluded.
This reveals the uncertainty that lies ahead as teams work on the all-new 2026 F1 regulations, with track time expected to be key in uncovering the path to success.
