F1 2026 Cars: Russell Reveals Unusual Driving Needed for New Engines | Bahrain Test Insights

The dawn of the 2026 Formula 1 season is already sparking debate and it’s not about driver lineups or team strategies. It’s about how the cars themselves will feel to drive. Initial testing has revealed a significant shift in the demands placed on drivers, forcing them to adapt to a new paradigm dictated by the series’ radical engine and aerodynamic regulations.

While George Russell of Mercedes has described the new cars as “way nicer to drive” in terms of handling and ride quality compared to their predecessors, a more nuanced picture is emerging. The core of the challenge lies in the intricacies of the new power units and the active aerodynamic systems designed to replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The goal, as outlined by the FIA, is to create more efficient cars with lower drag, enabling closer racing. However, achieving that efficiency requires drivers to employ unconventional techniques.

Russell highlighted a particularly jarring adjustment: the need to run significantly lower gears in corners than previously considered optimal. This isn’t about maximizing cornering speed; it’s about keeping the engine revs high enough to ensure the turbocharger remains spooled up and the energy recovery systems function effectively. “To give an example, here in Bahrain, usually the first corner is a third-gear corner in the previous generation [of car]. Now, we’re having to use first gear to keep the engine, the revs very high to keep the turbo spinning,” Russell explained.

The sensation, he elaborated, is counterintuitive. “This is probably the one thing that is quite annoying and isn’t that intuitive,” he said. He drew a relatable analogy: “Imagine when you drive to the supermarket in your car and you get to the roundabout and you put it in third gear to drive around the roundabout, but suddenly the person next to you says, ‘put it in first gear’. Everything is like, ‘Wwaahh,’ revving. You don’t go in the roundabout to the supermarket in first gear if you’re driving at a sensible speed. This is the same thing.”

The fundamental issue is that the cars and engines aren’t inherently designed to operate in this manner. Drivers are being forced to “work around” a system that prioritizes energy recovery over traditional cornering optimization. This has significant implications for how drivers assess their performance. In the past, a faster cornering line was a clear indicator of improvement. Now, the impact on energy levels – and therefore lap time – is far less immediate and requires a more holistic evaluation.

“In the past, if you went around the corner quicker or you tried something different and it worked, you know that’s positive and you just carry that forward,” Russell noted. “Here, you almost need to wait a full lap to actually learn, ‘What I did at Turn One, has that cost me energy or not?’” This delayed feedback loop adds a layer of complexity to the already demanding task of driving a Formula 1 car at the limit.

The changes aren’t limited to the engine’s demands. The 2026 regulations represent a substantial overhaul of the car’s physical dimensions and aerodynamic profile. Cars will be slightly shorter and narrower, with a reduction in overall mass of 30kg. Downforce will be reduced by 30%, and drag by 55%, aiming to facilitate closer racing by minimizing the “dirty air” effect. The introduction of active aerodynamics – moveable front and rear wings – will replace DRS, offering drivers a “low drag mode” for overtaking. The front wing will also be narrower, featuring a two-element active flap.

These changes are part of a broader effort to reverse the trend of increasingly bulky F1 cars that has characterized recent rule changes. The FIA’s “nimble car” concept seeks to address concerns about the cars’ size and weight, which have grown significantly since the introduction of the V6 turbo-hybrid engine era in 2014. Wheel sizes will remain at 18 inches, but tire widths will be reduced – 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

However, not everyone is convinced the changes are a step forward. Max Verstappen, during testing, voiced concerns about the enjoyment factor of the new cars, a sentiment echoed by other drivers. This raises questions about the balance between performance gains and driver experience. While the regulations aim to improve racing spectacle, they also risk alienating the very drivers who are central to the sport’s appeal.

Russell acknowledges the complexity of the new engines, stating they are “very complicated.” He also cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions based on testing at circuits like Barcelona and Bahrain, which he described as “arguably two of the easiest circuits for the engines.” He anticipates greater challenges at tracks like Melbourne and Jeddah, where the demands on the power units and energy recovery systems will be significantly higher.

The coming months will be crucial as teams and drivers continue to refine their understanding of the 2026 regulations. The initial feedback suggests a steep learning curve and a need for a fundamental shift in driving style. Whether these changes ultimately deliver on their promise of closer, more exciting racing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Formula 1 season will be unlike any that has come before.