George Russell did not let Lando Norris’s criticism of the new Formula 1 rules pass after the Australian GP. For the Mercedes driver, Norris’s comment would be different if he had won.
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After finishing in fifth place, Norris described the new F1 regulations, dominated by energy management, as ‘very artificial’ and warned about the risk of major accidents, accompanied by similar criticism from Max Verstappen.
Russell, who won the race from pole, hit back, stating that all drivers act selfishly, seeking their own interests, and called for the new regulations to be given a fair chance.
“Well, he always… I don’t know. If he were winning, I don’t think he’d be saying the same,” Russell told the press, referring to Norris.
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The Briton also commented on the perception of Norris and other drivers regarding adaptation to the cars and energy management: “We weren’t happy with the stiffness of the cars last year and the ‘porpoising’, everyone was complaining about their backs. The McLaren drivers said there was no ‘porpoising’, even with their cars showing it. So everyone looks at themselves, and we are all selfish in that sense. We have the same engine as McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, and so far we’ve done a better job than them. That’s how the game works,” he stated.
Russell highlighted that each circuit will require different approaches and that the next stage in Shanghai will have a completely different strategy in terms of energy: “In Shanghai, with a long straight, most drivers will concentrate their energy there. You don’t need to split it into four like here in Melbourne. Everyone is quick to criticize, but we need to give it a chance. We are 22 drivers. When we have the best cars, lower tire degradation, and we’re happy, they still complain. Now, with cars still adjusting, they say it was an incredible race. You can’t have everything, so let’s wait a few races before judging,” he added.
The Mercedes driver thus reinforces the importance of evaluating the impact of the new rules throughout the season, calling for patience and a broader view on adapting to the new era of Formula 1 regulations.
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