With the 2026 Barcelona Shakedown being done, many teams have impressed not only F1 observers but also drivers themselves—Mercedes’ George Russell was particularly intrigued by Aston Martin’s performance and design features, applauding Adrian Newey and his team.
Barcelona Shakedown promised action
Last week ten out of eleven teams were able to test their new cars, as the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Regulations have changed dramatically. While the majority managed to get the new cars ready in time, Williams had to stay at their headquarters due to production issues, leaving their debut to the pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The German constructor, Mercedes, used the first test runs very well, as they gathered their statistics over approximately eight Grands Prix lengths. Russell observed the test runs of the other teams, convinced that the dynamics on track are going to be exciting, as they had to build their cars from scratch.
“I think the best-case scenario for the sport and also for the drivers is you’ve got a number of different drivers and a number of different teams all battling it out,” the Briton stated.
The last couple of years teams the fight for the championship was always dominated by bigger teams, however Russell observed an underdog standing out.
“I think at the moment it does look like Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and ourselves are the four teams that are all quite close within one another, but you can’t discount what you’ve seen from Aston Martin.”
Aston Martin could be a game-changer with their design?
Aston Martin has been on the grid since 2021 and hasn’t had the best of luck, with a win yet to come. However, with the new car, Russell is convinced that they will become an interesting competitor in the 2026 F1 competition based on their performance at the Barcelona Shakedown.
“What Adrian [Newey] has done with that car, it looks pretty spectacular, and Honda over the past few years with Red Bull have had a very good engine beneath them. So, we also know what they’re capable of.
“It would be awesome to see a big fight. I remember 2012 or 2010, when you had the McLarens, Fernando [in the Ferrari], the Red Bulls, all fighting – that’s what the sport is about and that’s what we hope it will be about this year.”
When asked about Russell’s biggest takeaway from the F1 testings at Barcelona Shakedown, he pointed to the very interesting features on the Aston Martin.
“The Aston Martin was probably the most standout in terms of the car design.”
“I think everybody was looking at that rear suspension and it obviously visually looks very impressive, but it’s not a competition of how sexy it is – it’s a competition of how fast it goes around the track.
“So, people always look towards the fastest car, and we’ll find that out in Melbourne. Whoever that is, that will be the car that you wish to try and take inspiration from.”
Eyes on Championship title
Russell has been with Mercedes for four seasons; this year it will be his fifth. Last season the Briton showed what he is capable of, as he finished the season fourth in the Championship with 319 points to his name.
Russell is more than ready to be properly in the title fight, confident to perform his very best to become the next world champion.
“I feel ready to fight for a World Championship, and whether we have that comment above us or not, that does not change my approach one single bit,” said Russell.
“I’m working so hard with the team, everybody here has been working flat out to really maximise this new set of regulations.
“I’m honestly just so excited by the challenge, because it is a huge challenge adapting to these new cars, how the energy management works, the re-harvesting of the batteries, getting your head around the boost system, the overtake modes, the active aero.
“There’s a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage from that, and I feel confident with myself and my team.”
