George Russell makes two major F1 requests in clear stance on regulations
Mercedes star driver George Russell has laid out the changes he would like to see in Formula 1 amid the criticism the current regulations are coming under.
George Russell already knows the changes he would like to see in the next set of Formula 1 regulations, despite only being four races into the latest season. The Mercedes star would like a return to V8 engines and lighter cars in five years' time.
This season's adjustments have proven controversial, with the likes of Max Verstappen proving to be a staunch opponent of the current ruleset. The grid's frustrations even saw a number of changes implemented ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, though the Dutchman described them as a 'tickle'. "It's not what we need yet to really make it flat out," he said.
Russell, who sits second in the drivers' championship behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli, has been a defender and called the adjustments 'good'. The English driver believes the FIA have eradicated the 'quirks' and that there are 'a lot of positives about this new regulation and the new cars'.
But even the 28-year-old has admitted there are things he would like to see the next time the ruleset goes through a major change. The next power unit regulation cycle is expected to be introduced in 2031.
“Obviously there’s a lot to talk about. Going back to V8, I think that would obviously be pretty cool," Russell explained.
“The sustainable fuel topic is a fantastic one, and I think would be great for Formula One.
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“Lighter cars. I think we need to find ways to reduce the weight of cars even more, because I think that has been a positive impact in terms of the racing and the drivability, being able to fight close with one another, but still keep in a way that we can have these overtakes.
“Because if you look at the glory days of Formula 1 20 years ago, where everyone says they were the best cars ever, and I still agree they were probably the coolest cars we ever saw at Formula 1, in the early 2000s there was no overtaking at all.
“So that’s something we need to remember, and we need to think about for the next step.”
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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been a chief proponent for the sport to return to V8 engines, having stuck with a V6 offering since 2014. Persisting with the same power unit has come under intense scrutiny this season.
"In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs [power unit manufacturers]. That’s the regulations," Sulayem said.
“But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone [externally] now is asking for. When you try to tell them [the PUMs] they say no, but what will come, will come, and it [the power] will come back to the FIA.”
