Russell reveals key fear over 2026 F1 regulations

George Russell is anticipating the 2026 regulation shift will see one team take a dominant hold of the F1 grid.

Fresh aerodynamic and engine rules will come into effect in just 16 months as the sport enters a new era.

Teams are free to explore different variations bound by the regulations to build their new cars which will likely lead to several different concepts unveiled in 2026.

In 2014, Mercedes held a clear dominant position over the rest of the field for the campaign when new engines and car regulations were introduced.

When asked about the possibility of such a scenario happening again, Russell told select media including RacingNews365: “I think that's a very high likelihood, in all honesty.

“When you look at the impact a new chassis regulation has on the grid, if you combine that with a new engine as well, probability speaking, there's no way three or four different engine manufacturers and 10 different teams are all going to make a car and an engine within half a second.

“It’s not going to happen. With the development, sometimes, you have to go back to go forward and 2026 will be forward in so many ways of technology and innovation sustainability, but probably the racing will be hindered.”

Russell warns against freezing regulation periods

One suggestion that has been highlighted is keeping the same set of regulations in place for a longer period.

The current cycle of aerodynamic rules has seen the pack close up at the front of the field in its third year, with McLaren challenging Red Bull for the titles.

Russell stated there is a danger of ensuring the field is competitive by taking away the manufacturers' input. 

“Why is F1 so much bigger and more successful than IndyCar, which has the same cars, two engines that are very competitive, they don't change [the rules] that often?" he queried.

“The racing is pretty good and exciting, but the viewership isn't there. I think brands and people, they love coming to the track and wearing a Mercedes cap, a Ferrari hat.

“If we go into something where a manufacturer cannot make the difference and you focus solely on the racing, but a top manufacturer is not on top, what is the manufacturer going to think in 10 years' time?

“If the manufacturers pull out, the fans may follow. It's a real double-edged sword. We need to find a way in the future. But that magic bullet is not there yet.”