Mercedes driver George Russell is bullish about Formula 1’s new technical era from 2026, predicting that racing will be improved.

F1 is having one of its most comprehensive regulatory overhauls next year, with new power units featuring a near 50:50 split between combustion and electric power. Chassis will feature active aerodynamics, meaning all cars will enjoy low drag on the straights. As a consequence, DRS has been scrapped while a Manual Override Mode – likened to IndyCar’s push-to-pass – will help provide more overtaking.

Russell is actually unsure about the effect of the Override Mode, but believes the nimbler cars will be successful in improving the show – in potentially surprising ways.

“I think you'll see more overtakes next year, but more overtakes in obscure locations, in

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