Mercedes’ driver George Russell has joined a group of concerns regarding 2026 Formula 1 regulations.
Briton has reported that new F1 2026 regulations could have consequences for safety issues due to an improved overall top speed.
Thursday’s official statement made by the F1 stressed out fairly controversial changes from the technical standpoint.
New cars will be equipped with an ‘Active aero package’ that will allow drivers to take more speed into the corners and onto the straights with Z and X-zone systems respectively.
This would in turn improve the racing and top-speed abilities of machineries.
Another trademark of new cars is a scrap of current floors and its ground effect in return for a flat floor.
Formula 1 cars will also return to a rear wing concept similar to pre-2022 regulations which means the removal of the current oval-shaped rear wing endplates.
As it was already mentioned, F1 2026 regulations and scare over top speed are of great importance for George Russell.
“They’re going to be exceptionally quick in the straights, 360km/h probably at most tracks, which is pretty impressive.”
“Obviously then the safety needs to be probably improved, because having a crash at 360, 370km/h is going to be pretty crazy.” – 1 time Grand Prix winner stated.
Russell has also subtly pointed out at teams’ worries about new regulations and possible lack of consensus between FIA and the teams.
“When it comes to safety, unfortunately, history has told us that incidents need to happen before changes are made.” – Russell said.
Mercedes’ Briton also showed signs of disapproval with a lack of high downforce in favor of top speed.
“It would be a shame to lose some of that performance of the car. But on the flip side, it will improve the racing if there’s less downforce and there’s less dirty air.”