George Russell reveals ‘behind the scenes’ work to fix Mercedes’ biggest F1 weakness

George Russell has revealed that Mercedes is working “behind the scenes” to improve its race starts ahead of the resumption of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes has enjoyed a near-perfect start to F1’s new rules era and has racked up three victories from the opening three rounds, as well as winning the China sprint race.

Race starts have proved to be Mercedes’ biggest weakness. Despite claiming four front-row lockouts so far, neither Russell or team-mate Kimi Antonelli have managed to hold onto the lead on the opening lap.

But the Silver Arrows are working hard to address the biggest thorn in its side.

"There is a huge amount going on behind the scenes," Russell told Sky Germany at a Pirelli tyre test at the Nurburgring.

"As in any sport, there is a lot that goes on that people don't see and we have this opportunity to be testing. There are lots of days on the simulator analysing the first three races and looking ahead to the next couple that are coming up.

"It is two sprint races when we come back with Miami and Montreal so it is full gas.

"We are here because it is a Pirelli test and a tyre test, we are not allowed to do any starts, that is the same for any team when they do tyre testing. We are working a lot behind the scenes analysing the data.

"Our sport is difficult because you don't get to practice that much. It is part of the rules that you are not allowed to drive.

"Of course, we would love to be out doing loads and loads of starts. We have some ideas of why we have been falling short of the race starts so hopefully we can build on that.”

Back-to-back wins for Antonelli have moved the Italian teenager into a surprise nine-point lead over Russell after the first three races.

The 2026 season resumes following an enforced five-week break following the cancellations of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the Iran War with the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.