SHANGHAI - Mercedes driver George Russell stated that Formula One's new engine and chassis regulations are making races feel more like karting. Russell secured victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race after an intense early battle with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.
The updated rules have introduced lighter and more compact cars, with the minimum weight reduced to 768kg. These changes have led to dynamic exchanges for position, a departure from previous seasons.
Russell described the racing as "quite fun" and "definitely feels more like a go-kart race," noting the unusual experience of multiple cars contending for the same position. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also participated in the close fight at the front.
However, not all drivers share Russell's enthusiasm. Williams driver Carlos Sainz expressed concern that the new energy-assisted overtakes deviate from the sport's core identity, calling them "artificial."