(Motorsport-Total.com) – According to George Russell, the decisions regarding the regulations in Formula 1 and FIA are not made by “idiots.” “They know what they are doing, and the fans currently love the racing,” said the Mercedes driver. “Right or wrong, the racing has been really entertaining so far.”
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So far, the 2026 Formula 1 regulations have sparked a lot of discussion. For the Miami Grand Prix, some aspects of the engine were adjusted to improve safety and racing. Nevertheless, there remains a lot of skepticism among fans and drivers.
In contrast, George Russell emphasizes: “Of course, we are the ones who have to drive the thing in the end, but at the same time, as drivers, we are very selfish,” Russell said ahead of the weekend. “The best and coolest and fastest cars for the driver may not be the most exciting cars for the racing.”
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As an example, Russell cites the much-loved V10 generation: “If you take the V10 era of the early 2000s, that was probably an outstanding basis for what a driver wants from a race car. But the races were boring, there were no overtaking maneuvers, and there were not as many fans following the sport.”
Already at the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 had promoted the large number of overtakes. At the same time, there is still widespread impression that it is an artificial form of racing.
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Not least, Max Verstappen is among the loudest critics of the regulations. A possible comeback of the V10 engines was suggested by FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem in early 2025.
Among the drivers, Russell is one of those who still praise the regulations the most. While Lando Norris or Lewis Hamilton were full of praise for the narrower and more agile cars before the season or at the first race weekends, they have now also become critics of the new cars. Formula 1 legends like Nigel Mansell have since agreed with these statements.
In this context, the influence of the drivers is being discussed. Verstappen noted in Miami that the FIA and Formula 1 could have avoided the current drama if they had responded earlier to the pilots’ feedback. Hamilton struck a similar tone in Miami.
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