George Russell backed but Verstappen remains the ultimate pick, says Irvine

Former F1 driver Eddie Irvine believes George Russell is poised for a strong season with a competitive Mercedes but unequivocally states that, if he were running a team, he would sign Max Verstappen as his first choice. Irvine also shared his views on F1's new technical regulations, advocating for a simpler, louder formula.

Why it matters:

Irvine’s perspective bridges the gap between current form and ultimate pedigree. While acknowledging Mercedes' and Russell's impressive start, his insistence on Verstappen underscores the reigning champion's perceived status as the sport's definitive benchmark. His critique of the new power unit regulations also taps into an ongoing debate about the sport's direction and appeal.

The details:

• On Mercedes & Russell: Following a Mercedes 1-2 in Australia, Irvine noted the team looks "pretty good" and that having both drivers at the front is a strong sign. He predicts Russell "will definitely beat" rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli over the full season.
• The Verstappen Verdict: Despite Russell's form, Irvine was clear about his top driver choice: "If you're owning a team and you want to hire a driver, you have to hire Verstappen... because he's the best out there at this moment in time." He also acknowledged Ferrari's Charles Leclerc as "bloody fast."
• On the 2026 Regulations: Irvine criticized the complexity of the new 50-50 combustion/electric power units, calling the racing in Australia "too artificial."
  • He proposed a simpler alternative: "Straight, normally aspirated engines, lots of noise... and just use renewable fuel."
• F1's Modern Appeal: Addressing concerns that technical complexity could alienate fans, Irvine argued modern F1 has transcended pure sport. "They're not really Formula 1 fans," he said of newer audiences. "They're the fans of the life, the feeling. Formula 1 is more than just a sport now, it's a feeling."

Between the lines:

Irvine’s comments highlight a classic F1 dilemma: choosing between a driver in the best current package versus the driver considered the outright fastest. His praise for Russell is conditional on Mercedes' performance, while his endorsement of Verstappen is absolute and performance-agnostic. Furthermore, his longing for a simpler, louder F1 represents a nostalgic view that contrasts with the sport's deliberate technological and sustainability roadmap.

What's next:

The early-season narrative will test Irvine's predictions. All eyes will be on whether Russell and Mercedes can maintain their momentum in China and if Verstappen, in a potentially less competitive Red Bull, can still showcase the raw speed that makes him Irvine's—and many others'—theoretical first pick. The debate over the new racing product will also continue as teams and drivers adapt to the regulations.