George Russell and the New Formula 1

George Russell Mercedes F1 2026 dominance

George Russell is having the best start to an F1 season in his career. The British driver has won the first three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season: Australia, China, and is favourite for Japan on March 29.

Russell drives for Mercedes, one of the most famous teams in Formula 1 history. Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors' championships between 2014 and 2021, with Lewis Hamilton winning six drivers' titles in the same period.

But between 2022 and 2025, Mercedes fell behind Red Bull, who dominated the sport with Max Verstappen. Now, with the new 2026 regulations, the balance of power has shifted again.

Mercedes understood the new rules better than their rivals. The new cars use more electrical power.

They have active aerodynamics. These are very different from the previous cars.

Russell, who joined Mercedes in 2022, now has the opportunity to become world champion for the first time. His team-mate Lewis Hamilton has also moved to Ferrari this year, which means Russell is now the clear lead driver at Mercedes.

Championship rivals include Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), and several Ferrari drivers. But after three races, Russell's advantage is clear.