George Russell has highlighted a key factor that will alleviate concerns some Formula 1 drivers have about the sport’s forthcoming new regulations: success.
Next year sees F1 enter a whole new era with the new set of rules that gives the sport its first feeling of stepping into the unknown since the beginning of the V6 hybrid era in 2014.
With aerodynamic changes, the outlawing of DRS and the 50-50 split between ICE and electrical power, the new cars will provide a whole new challenge for both the teams and the drivers.
Work is already well underway, with many drivers now starting to undergo their first simulator runs in what are essentially early drafts of what the cars will be like.
Some have indicated a lack of enthusiasm, with Charles Leclerc originally saying he was “not a fan”, with Alex Albon saying that drivers who interpret the driving style necessary can “abuse the system”.
Russell, speaking over the weekend of the Dutch Grand Prix last month, said he is broad-minded on the cars, given they have yet to take to a track in anger.
“I think it would be naive for anybody to criticise before we’ve even driven it,” the Mercedes driver told media including Motorsport Week.
“And if you look at 2014 when we had the V6 hybrid for the first time, the speeds they were achieving in the straight, they weren’t that spectacular.
“I think the engines had 850 horsepower, now they have well over 1000 horsepower.
“So naturally it’s going to be a big change, it’s going to be a very different type of racing with no DRS and the battery extension to help you to battle.
“I’m going in with a very open mind and I think a lot of drivers, they’re not too fussed as long as they’re winning. I put myself in that camp to be honest.”
Russell: Winning more important than speed
Russell’s Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, recently caused debate when stating that cars could reach 400 km/h, something that some have refuted, primarily due to the high levels of battery conservation.
Russell is again unperturbed in either case, preferring to focus on victory, not detail.
“We’ve got the fastest cars almost in the world right now, it’s only really the 2020 era that was faster along a lap,” he addressed.
“So it’s pretty fun to drive around, especially circuits like this, but ultimately I care about winning more than driving the fastest car in the world.”
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