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George Russell addresses the hype around Mercedes’ 2026 F1 engine – and whether they’ll be the favourites for the title
George Russell expressed his confidence in Mercedes delivering a powerful F1 engine for the 2026 regulations, while also cautioning that this doesn’t guarantee them as favorites. The significant technical changes for 2026 include new chassis and power unit rules, with engines required to use 100% sustainable fuels and being electrified after the removal of the MGU-H. The rule changes have been described as some of the most impactful in F1 history by former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, leading to a potential shake-up in the pecking order. Despite Mercedes potentially starting with the best engine next year, teams like McLaren, Williams, and Alpine will also benefit from Mercedes power, posing serious competition. Russell emphasized the importance of staying competitive and not underestimating rivals who also have the same engine, acknowledging that winning championships in the past has not solely been about the engine’s performance.
