George Russell hits back at Max Verstappen: “If he wants fun, the Nordschleife is waiting”. The F1 paddock is divided over the 2026 regulations.

F1 is heating up even before the 2026 season officially begins. In particular, drivers are divided over the new regulations.

The 2026 F1 cars continue to split opinions across the paddock. After Max Verstappen’s harsh comments, in which he compared the future cars to a “Formula E on steroids,” other drivers have also voiced their opinions. Among them is George Russell, who during the Bahrain tests addressed the controversy with a tone that was both ironic and firm, aligning himself with Lando Norris in defending the new technical era.

Russell stresses the privilege of racing in F1

According to Russell, those who compete in Formula 1 must remember the privilege of racing at the highest level, especially during such a significant regulatory shift.

Irony and confidence in the future of the new cars

Responding to Verstappen’s comments, the Mercedes driver made a remark that quickly spread across the paddock: “As Lando Norris said, we’re lucky to be in this position. I mainly think about winning. I understand that those who have dominated in recent years want a perfect car, and also one that’s fun to drive, but if they’re looking for different thrills… the Nordschleife is always there waiting for them.”

This was a playful reference to Max Verstappen’s participation in the endurance race at the German circuit, but also a subtle way to suggest that criticism of the new F1 cars should be taken in balance. George Russell went on to explain why, in his view, the 2026 cars do not represent a step backward but rather an inevitable evolution.

“I believe these cars are still a step forward. It’s too early to judge them: we’re only in the first days of a regulation that will last several years, and the potential for improvement is huge. The cars are more agile and fun in many situations.”

Adjustments will be needed

George Russell admitted that some of the changes will require adaptation. “The least intuitive part is using very low gears in corners. In Bahrain, for example, the first corner used to be taken in third gear, but now we have to use first to keep the engine revs high. It’s different from what we’re used to, but we’ll get used to it.”

The message from George Russell is clear: the 2026 F1 cars may change driving style, but it will take time to properly evaluate them. Above all, they must be given the chance to evolve.

George Russell’s defense of the 2026 rules therefore highlights a growing philosophical split between those who prioritize the raw, visceral “fun” of the previous generation and those who view the new, complex energy-management era as a necessary technical frontier. While the “annoying” need for first gear in high-speed corners remains a valid technical gripe, the willingness of drivers like Russell and Norris to embrace the change suggests that the 2026 grid will be won by those who adapt the fastest to the new reality.