Russell Warns of Ferrari Threat as Mercedes Eyes Repeat in China

Despite a commanding 1-2 finish in Melbourne to open the 2026 Formula 1 season, George Russell is refusing to get carried away, warning that Ferrari remain a formidable threat heading into the Chinese Grand Prix.

Russell, who led teammate Kimi Antonelli to victory under the new regulations, insists the gap to Ferrari was exaggerated by strategic decisions in the race. “Charles gave me a proper fight in Melbourne and he was ahead of me for the VSC,” Russell explained. “If he pitted under the VSC, I don’t think we would have finished 1-2. Maybe I could have got past him for the win, but it would have been a proper tussle.”

While Mercedes appeared dominant in qualifying, Russell believes the race pace told a different story. “The pace on Sunday, we were nip and tuck with Ferrari, which is more in line with what we expected,” he said during Thursday’s media day in Shanghai.

This weekend, Ferrari will deploy its ‘flip-flop’ rear wing, an innovative design expected to give Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton a significant speed advantage on Shanghai’s 1-kilometre back straight. The device allows for rapid drag reduction, aiding both top speed and overtaking potential.

Russell acknowledged the rapid development expected this season, saying: “We take nothing for granted. Ferrari are very close behind. We saw it in the race, they were super fast.”

He also highlighted Max Verstappen’s pace, noting the Red Bull driver’s surge from the back confirmed his team’s latent speed. “You can be confident he would have qualified in the top three without his problem,” Russell added.

With McLaren and Red Bull yet to reveal major upgrades, Russell remains focused. “The championship is won over a long season,” he cautioned. “This start is good, but it doesn’t mean much more.”