Mercedes has started the 2026 Formula 1 season strongly, claiming 1-2 finishes in each of the first two rounds. That kind of form normally brings applause, but it has also invited scrutiny from rivals and regulators.

Russell says rivals want to slow Mercedes

George Russell did not hold back when asked about the attention on his team. He criticised rival squads for what he described as attempts to "slow" Mercedes down, especially so early in the campaign. Russell pointed out that Mercedes worked hard to recover after four difficult years and that the team deserves to be competitive.

He made a few plain observations

  • Mercedes made a strong start to the season with consecutive 1-2 results.
  • Other teams raised questions about engine characteristics and aerodynamics, which led to formal checks.
  • The FIA has ordered Mercedes to modify its engine from June 1.
  • After the Chinese round there were also concerns about the front wing, which Mercedes says moved unexpectedly and not by design.

Why the scrutiny is intense

This year brought big regulation changes, and that opens up a lot of room for development. Teams that feel behind naturally press for checks when they suspect something unusual. Russell accepts that scrutiny comes with success, but he thinks targeting Mercedes so soon is unfair.

The power unit catch-up plan

Part of the reason the field could shift is the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, or ADUO. It gives power unit manufacturers extra windows to close gaps. Russell warned that while Mercedes leads now, the situation can change as other teams and suppliers bring updates.

Russell keeps expectations realistic

Russell stressed that there are no guarantees. He highlighted a few early signs that other teams are still working things out, including concerns about weight at Red Bull and the fact McLaren had not yet introduced a new upgrade and were running their Bahrain package. His tone mixed confidence with caution: Mercedes is ahead for now, but the season is long and developments can alter the order.

In short, Mercedes is enjoying early dominance, Russell is annoyed by the pushback, and everyone else is gearing up to try to catch up. Expect more technical debates, more updates, and a shifting pecking order as the season progresses.