Even title favorite George Russell admits that Formula 1 needs a reset—and he’s identified “low-hanging fruit” in the shape of quick fixes that should improve both driver safety and entertainment. 

Mercedes have stormed out of the blocks, winning all three of this season’s opening races. Yet, amid all this early success, it’s obvious that F1’s new ruleset has battery-related issues. Cries for change got louder after Ollie Bearman’s 50G crash at Suzuka, and the FIA are now weighing up urgent reforms for Miami.

While many diehard fans will be calling for the return of naturally aspirated V10s, it’s not something that’s under active consideration. Instead, there are a few options on the table: lowering battery limits, increasing super-clipping, and changing aero or engine balance. 

Russell anticipates “there will be a compromise somewhere” due to the sheer amount of lift and coast going on, which he attributes to cars being set up for peak deployment at all times. 

Russell explained: "There's a lot of low-hanging fruit. The minus 350 kw superclip is a no-brainer, and that in itself is going to avoid a lot of lifting and coasting. On a very short straight, there isn't [currently] enough time to go from 350 kw to a super-clip. 

“Small changes around these regulations will have a major improvement for the overall driving experience. As I said, this break’s offered a good opportunity for everyone to go around that loop. The FIA have been in a lot of comms with a handful of drivers. 

"That's been sort of collective, at least from the FIA technical standpoint. It’s probably the closest relationship we've had with them in numerous years. So that's very positive to see.”

Finally, the FIA sees the need for change

Earlier this week, Stefano Domenicali doubled down on his commitment to Formula E Lite, or the Battery World Championship, whatever you want to call this year’s racing. What’s being suggested instead is battery deployment changes to revive qualifying and prevent crashes caused by erratic acceleration. 

Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, and McLaren boss Andrea Stella all made it clear before Bearman’s crash that unintended overspeed would have dangerous consequences. The FIA was arrogant to ignore these warnings and lucky that young Ollie wasn’t more badly hurt. 

Fortunately, the incident has turned into a wake-up call for the powers that be. Russell says “the FIA are definitely very much aware” of driver concerns about unexpected closing speed and that Bearman’s crash was caused by a repeatable situation, with one car in “Straight Mode” while the other was recharging. 

Russell said: "Bearman was on his boost button and giving himself 350 kw, so he had an abundance of power in an abnormal part of the track. On the flipside, [Franco] Colapinto used his boost on the straight before, so he had a lack of power. At least in my eyes, that's where these closing speed differences are coming from. 

“If there's a straight that isn't included in Straight Mode, that means it's because it's a corner, and of course, that Bearman crash was in a non-SM part of the track. So, I think we're all aligned on those points.”

Mercedes are still in the driver's seat

Heading to Miami, Russell is confident that Mercedes will still be at the front. Competitors are bringing big upgrades to the next Grand Prix, and the likes of McLaren seemed to close the gap in Japan. The FIA has also moved to close an engine loophole that Mercedes and Red Bull were taking advantage of. 

But the Silver Arrows still have a few tenths in their pocket; it’s only really race starts that have cost them places in the opening races. Though Russell isn’t counting his chickens just yet, he’s confident that Mercedes have tackled some of the “unexpected issues” that caught them out in China and Japan. 

Russell added: “In 2022, after three races, I think [Charles] Leclerc had a 30-plus point lead, and Verstappen was saying the championship was over and Ferrari was the quickest. And then at the end they were not.

“I think we have a very good direction. I think the correlation is very good. We're ticking all of the boxes that tell us we have a really great foundation with the car.

"But of course, these things change. We know McLaren have not brought a major update recently. When you look at their performance in Suzuka, I think Piastri could have won that race.

“So, I'm just taking it race-by-race. The championship is not even in my mind. I just go to every race, try to maximize the performance, and count points at the end of the season," added the Englishman.

Largely due to his experience for the long haul, Russell remains favourite for the 2026 F1 title, despite Antonelli's back-to-back wins going into the enforced break. Mercedes arrive in Miami for Round 4, as the team to beat.