George Russell Demands “Car Improvement” From FIA Despite Dominant Australian GP Triumph

George Russell has urged the FIA to make changes to the car after suffering from understeer throughout the AustralianGP.

George Russell Demands “Car Improvement” From FIA Despite Dominant Australian GP Triumph

George Russell (via F1.com)

In Short
  • George Russell won the Australian GP, marking Mercedes' first victory of the 2026 season.
  • Despite his win, Russell called for improvements to the car's handling under the current regulations.
  • Several drivers faced mechanical issues, with four DNFs, while Russell acknowledged a bad start to the race.

George Russell started the Australian GP from pole position and led the race when it mattered the most, to become the first winner F1’s new era. He achieved victory in the Albert Park Circuit taking advantage of Mercedes’ dominant engine and car design. Despite an impressive running, the Briton identified some issues with the new regulations and has demanded for changes from the FIA.

The Australian GP was far from ideal for many of the drivers on the grid. Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg did not even start the race following troubles ahead of the race start. Four other drivers suffered from a DNF because of mechanical issues in the car, with Isack Hadjar being the first one. Amidst the chaos George Russell remained clear of the problems to ultimately bring home the maiden race win for Mercedes in 2026.

Still, George Russell understands the problems with the regulations and has demanded changes from the FIA. The Briton highlighted that while using the straight-line mode, the cars understeered a lot, especially through the corners. Russell believes that this is something that must be improved by the governing body. Certainly, many drivers suffered from understeer, with the likes of Charles Leclerc and others at the heart of these issues.

With this straight-line mode, you are understeering through the corners, its something for the FIA to improve.

George Russell said in a post-session interview,

Further, George Russell accepted that the front-wing setups were ‘sketchy’. The 2026 season has just started, and it is a long road to completion. For now, Mercedes has started the year on a great note and is looking forward to the challenge. However, Red Bull and Ferrari are looking promising of improving down the season and providing a tough fight to the Silver Arrows at the forefront. Russell will be able to ride the high of winning the Australian GP over the weekend.

Yeah, with the front wing, its sketch.

George Russell added.

George Russell reveals ‘bad start’ despite victory from pole position

George Russell started the Australian GP on a positive note and was on the winning step throughout the weekend. Mercedes’ dominant performance further helped them achieve a one-two finish and maximize points in the very first race weekend. Still, despite a dominant showing in Australia, George Russell reckoned that he suffered from a bad race start and lost the lead to Charles Leclerc early on in the race. Though he recovered well in the end.

George Russell (via XPBimages)
George Russell (via XPBimages)

George Russell asserted that he was feeling incredible after winning the very first race of the 2026 season. He recalled the ‘hell of a fight’ at the beginning of the race with Charles Leclerc. Further, Russell accepted that he had a bad start and was close to losing the race to Leclerc if he did not recover on track. Ultimately, the Briton was delighted to have crossed the finish line as a winner.

Feeling incredible. It was a hell of a fight at the beginning! I made a bad start, and some really tight battles with Charles at the start – just really glad to cross the finish line.

George Russell noted

Despite the negative circumstances, many drivers were able to perform well. Max Verstappen managed to achieve a P6 finish despite starting the race from P20. Now, all eyes will be on the Chinese GP and seeing which driver manages to snag a victory in China. George Russell is definitely going to be the favorite to win the driver’s title if he keeps up with these performances.

Read More: Max Verstappen “Emotionally Empty” After Australian GP Qualifying Wreck