Debate around Formula 1’s new technical regulations continues to grow following first pre-season testing, with a number of drivers questioning how the 2026 cars behave and the level of energy management now required. Max Verstappen has been among the most outspoken voices, previously likening the new machines to “Formula E on steroids” and arguing that the extent of energy saving involved feels far removed from traditional Formula 1 driving.

George Russell accepts that some of the criticism has merit but believes the sport should avoid drawing firm conclusions at such an early stage of the regulations cycle.

“The concerns he raises are valid concerns. My view is it’s day four of a three-year period of development. Whenever you build something new, it’s never perfect on day one. It evolves and it develops and it’s not perfect,” Russell told Viaplay.

The Mercedes driver pointed out that major rule changes in the past also needed time before delivering their full potential, highlighting the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 as an example.

“I like to stay open-minded. It’s day four of driving these new cars and we’ll be doing this for three years. There’ll be a lot of progress in three years," he said.

“If you look at the engines in 2014, many drivers complained. Then, by the end of the regulations, the engine was the strongest engine we’ve ever seen in Formula 1. So it’s a bit premature to talk too loudly, however the concerns they’re raising are arguably justifiable.”

Aside from energy management, some drivers have also flagged concerns about complicated start procedures introduced with the new systems. Oscar Piastri has already warned that the situation could become a “recipe for disaster” if cars launch inconsistently at race starts.

Russell admits the learning curve is steep, particularly when it comes to getting the cars off the line consistently.

“These cars, generally for the engineers, it’s the most complex and complicated cars that we’ve ever witnessed. We have made a lot of progress since Barcelona on the race starts itself, I don’t know about other teams, I hope come Melbourne it’ll be fine.”