George Russell makes 'Netflix fans' point after stunning Max Verstappen F1 attack

George Russell has defended F1's new technical regulations after a stunning broadside attack from Red Bull's Max Verstappen. 

For 2026, the power units have been radically overhauled, with the removal of the MGU-H, fully sustainable fuels and a now 50-50 power output from the internal combustion engine and beefed-up batteries.

They are now capable of producing 350kw of power, up from 120kw in 2025, with the rules being designed to help convince Audi to launch its first works assault on F1, with Ford and Honda as entering either as technical partner or as a full power unit supplier.

This places far greater energy management demands on drivers, with Verstappen scathing in his assessment, branding the rules as "anti-racing" and like "Formula E on steroids."

World champion Lando Norris rubbished Verstappen's criticism, as Mercedes driver Russell explained the political side of the new rules with Audi before going on to make a point about "Netflix fans" not sharing the same passion for the old naturally aspirated loud V8s and V10s, before ending with a slight dig at Verstappen.

"It is the ultimate goal, but I think, as with anything in life, you can't tick every single box," Russell told media, including RacingNews365, of whether F1 should just have the fastest possible car.

"There's more at stake, and when these regulations came in, there was a huge push on EVs from the EU, and that was a big part for Audi to come in, so there has got to be that consideration.

"Nobody can argue that Formula 1 isn't in an amazing place right now. Of course, we want the best and fastest cars; we want to tick all of the best racing, but how do you achieve that? How do you achieve those things and please everybody?

"I don't know how you please everybody, and what we feel in this paddock as racing enthusiasts, maybe these new Netflix fans feel differently. 

"We all want V10s, V8s and the loud noise, but I think some people from the grandstands quite like to be able to have a conversation whilst watching the race, so as Lando said, we're privileged to be in this position, and in all honesty, I just want to win.

"I guess for a driver who has won quite a bit recently, you just want the best car and the most fun cars to drive, so yeah, you're welcome to go to the Nordschleife, I guess."