George Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 in the sole Chinese Grand Prix FP1 session at Shanghai, topping the timesheets ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris in a chaotic but revealing practice hour.
Mercedes has announced a logo redesign for the 2026 Formula 1 season, replacing the three-dimensional silver star emblem with a flat white silhouette. The change eliminates the depth effect of the previous design while maintaining the AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team branding in its customary teal color scheme, though the team has not yet confirmed the W17 car launch date or livery details.
Four cars drop to the pit lane, Tsunoda starts ahead of Verstappen, and teams lean toward a medium-tyre sprint as clear skies set the tone for the night race.
A technical fault on the FIA side caused Mercedes to be investigated for failing to submit mandatory setup documents. The team was cleared once officials confirmed the email had been sent on time.
George Russell’s new Mercedes contract flips the F1 power dynamic. With a performance-based clause that lets him automatically extend into 2027, Russell has effectively taken control of his own future — even if Max Verstappen joins Mercedes.
The FIA faced backlash after several drivers cut through Turns 1–3 on the opening lap of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix without penalty. George Russell and Fernando Alonso led criticism of the stewards’ consistency, arguing that leniency in first-lap decisions risks undermining fair racing.
George Russell says F1 has become “monotonous” and that races are now decided by qualifying and Turn 1. The Mercedes driver believes tyre degradation and strategy have all but vanished from modern racing, making overtaking nearly impossible
George Russell ruled out a sprint pole at Austin, citing track conditions and timing, but expects Mercedes’ race pace will let him fight for P4 after Hulkenberg’s surprise Q3 lap.
