George Russell has expressed some early confidence from the Mercedes camp ahead of new power unit regulations being introduced in 2026, arguing that the team are in a “really great place” to capitalise.
F1 will build on the current engine era by moving to power units that feature increased electrical power and use 100% sustainable fuels, alongside yet-to-be confirmed aerodynamic changes.
Given the team’s success since turbo-hybrid power units arrived in 2014 – which sparked a run of eight consecutive constructors’ and seven straight drivers’ titles – and their pedigree elsewhere in the motorsport world, Russell sees plenty of reason for optimism.
“I mean, ordinarily, 2026 seems like a long time away, but in the world of Formula 1 it’s going to be here tomorrow, and the team are feeling really confident for this era,” he said at the Monaco Grand Prix.
I think you know the experience the team have had, the success in 2014 with the new powertrain, and then obviously the time in Formula E, the work that was done with the [Mercedes-AMG ONE] Hypercar.
“There are a lot of individuals within HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] who have got so much experience with this future technology.
