Russell blasts sandbagging claims: ‘We’ve taken a step back’

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George Russell has hit back at swirling claims that Mercedes has been sandbagging in Bahrain pre-season testing, insisting the team has actually regressed since F1’s initial Barcelona shakedown.

Despite topping the timesheets on the final day in Sakhir behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell says the silver cars are still working through performance and reliability issues.

So, while the bookmakers and rivals like Red Bull point to a Mercedes power unit loophole as the new gold standard, the reality behind the garage doors is far less glamorous according to Russell.

“I think this test was needed for us, because Barcelona was very smooth, and probably smoother than we anticipated in terms of reliability, in terms of performance,” the Briton told the official F1 website on Friday.

“And we’ve got to Bahrain and, in both regards, we’ve taken a step back. We’ve had some reliability issues. Our competitors have hit the ground running, especially Red Bull; they look very strong with the power unit.

“And it was the same on day one of Barcelona, so kudos to them and the amazing job they’ve done. But we need to focus on ourselves and find some more performance.”

Performance vs. Reliabilty

Russell acknowledged the team’s day-two struggles but framed them as part of testing’s purpose.

“For sure, this is what testing is all about, and I think we probably all expected to see a bit more of this, especially in Barcelona,” he said.

“But it’s still very early days, we’ve still got another test, a month until Melbourne. We’re obviously very focused on performance, but you’ve got to finish a race if you want a result.

“So, being a driver, you’re always focused on performance. A number of team members are focused on reliability and working on that.”

Respect for Rivals, Focus on Self

Russell refused to inflate Mercedes’ standing in the pre-season hype.

“I don’t make a huge amount from it, because obviously, that was all because of noise and speculation in the media that we’re going to have the best power unit,” he explained.

©Mercedes

“The truth is, I think we have a strong power unit, I think we’ve delivered a very good car. But, right now, Red Bull seems to have delivered the best engine at the moment.

“We’ve got work to do and we know that history says they have also delivered a pretty decent car over the previous years. Of course, we would have wished otherwise, but this is F1 and everyone is pushing the limit.”

Russell’s candid assessment makes it clear: Mercedes isn’t hiding anything.

If anything, the Brackley squad has more work ahead – and the season opener in Melbourne will show whether the silver arrow can convert potential into pace.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.