Russell suggests radical F1 regulation change

George Russell has suggested an alternative method to reduce wind tunnel test time for successful teams.

Under the sport's current regulations, the higher a team finish in the constructors' championship, the fewer hours it is allowed in the wind tunnel for car development.

With Red Bull ending the last two constructors' standings on top, the Milton Keynes-based squad has had fewer hours allocated compared to its rivals.

However, it has maintained its position at the head of the pecking order, winning seven out of the opening 10 races this year.

Mercedes' George Russell has suggested the wind tunnel restrictions should be based on points scored rather than the final position in the standings.

“I think the wind tunnel thing is really good but it's based on positions at the moment rather than points,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. 

“Red Bull has been double the amount of points than the second-place team in the constructors’ and they get the same difference in wind tunnel reduction as second to third.

“Mercedes to Ferrari last year, there were only three points [in the] difference.

“Maybe if it's based on the number of points scored rather than actual position in the championship that would help the team to catch up quicker.”

Russell suggests longer F1 regulation periods

Red Bull's dominant position it held over rival teams in recent seasons appears to have dwindled this year, with more teams contending for wins.

The current set of technical regulations is currently in its third year, with 2025 set to be the final season before a major overhaul for 2026.

With more teams now fighting at the front of the field, Russell has suggested keeping regulations in place indefinitely could be a solution to ensuring a competitive F1 landscape.

“It's a great thing that there isn't just one dominant force out there because people want to see the fights happen on track and the drivers going at it against one another,” he said.

“I think if the regulations are built correctly, the team should be able to catch up and there should be more than one car fighting for wins.

“I’m really excited to see how the rest of the season is going to pan out for the race at the front and into next year as well. I think there could be a really good fight on our hands, probably between four or even five teams for race wins.

“Then you get to 2026 and it's going to be a big shake-up again. History has shown that towards the end of the regulations is probably when you have your best racing. 

“So maybe just keep the regulations there indefinitely.”