George Russell dismisses major safety concern with 2026 F1 cars

George Russell has dismissed any concern around the potential for major differences in closing speeds between F1 cars in 2026.

For the new rules cycle, the power is now generated by a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and the batteries, which are now capable of producing 350kw of power.

However, when this supply is drained, the car will revert to ICE power only, causing a significant drop in speed - and meaning a rival behind such a car could be caught out if they are at full racing speed. 

Despite this, Russell does not believe that it will be a problem in either dry or wet conditions, with the Mercedes driver explaining why.

"There are going to be some examples of major closing speeds, but I don't think that will be a problem in dry conditions," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.

"It won't be a problem in low-visibility races, however, if there's low visibility, then that obviously means it is wet.

"And if you're driving in the wet, because you go around the corner so much slower and the braking distances are longer, you're harvesting much more and spending much less energy.

"So over the course of a lap, you'll have much more to spend, and there'll be less de-rates, if that makes sense.

"So in wet conditions, there should be plenty of energy to spend across the lap, and you shouldn't have these major closing speeds."

Russell also added that he felt following behind rival cars was now easier, as the new generation doesn't feel "like buses."

"Following definitely seems easier, especially in the high-speed corners, firstly because you have less downforce and you're going through the corners slower," he said.

"There is naturally less weight, and as much as it was awesome to experience those really high speeds in the high-speed corners, I think these cars are nicer to drive through those corners.

"It just feels a bit more like a race car, a bit lighter, and the old cars were too big and it felt a bit like a bus through those corners."