George Russell's Salary, Cadillac's Perez Input, and F1's 2026 Rule Changes Revealed

George Russell's new Mercedes contract reportedly secures him a massive £30 million per season, making him the third-highest-paid driver in F1. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez has already influenced Cadillac's F1 program with a major simulator-requested change for their 2026 entry. The FIA is also introducing new mechanisms to ensure fair competition among power unit manufacturers ahead of the significant 2026 rule changes.

Why it matters:

• Russell's New Deal: A significant salary increase for George Russell underscores his growing value at Mercedes and solidifies his position as a top-tier driver in Formula 1's financial hierarchy.
• Cadillac's Early Preparations: Sergio Perez's immediate impact on Cadillac's F1 development highlights the team's proactive approach and their commitment to leveraging experienced drivers for their 2026 debut.
• FIA's Regulatory Moves: The FIA's efforts to ensure a level playing field are crucial for the long-term health and competitiveness of F1, especially with major power unit overhauls on the horizon.

The Details:

• George Russell's Salary: Reports from British tabloids The Express and The Daily Mail indicate Russell's new Mercedes deal is worth £30 million annually. This places him behind only Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in F1 earnings.
• Cadillac and Sergio Perez: Cadillac has confirmed that Sergio Perez, signed alongside Valtteri Bottas for their 2026 F1 entry, has already identified and requested a significant change during simulator sessions. This demonstrates Perez's early involvement in shaping the team's development.
  • Cadillac plans to use a customer Ferrari power unit initially, before developing its own in-house unit later in the decade.
• FIA's 2026 Power Unit Rules: The FIA has announced new mechanisms to ensure equitable competition among power unit manufacturers. The 2026 regulations will feature the biggest power unit changes since 2014, including:
  • Electrical systems boosted to 350kW from the current 120kW.
  • The MGU-H component is set to be removed.
  • The introduction of sustainable fuels.
• Lewis Hamilton on Horner Rumors: Lewis Hamilton described the speculation linking Christian Horner to Ferrari as "distracting" for the team. Horner recently departed Red Bull after 20 years.
• Max Verstappen on Jos Verstappen: Max Verstappen believes his father, Jos, possesses strong "team boss" qualities and would be highly effective in such a role in motorsport.
• Norris Takes Accountability for Piastri Clash: Lando Norris has taken full responsibility for the collision with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri during the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident occurred on the opening lap when Norris clipped Max Verstappen's car after diving inside Piastri at Turn 2.

The Big Picture:

These developments showcase a dynamic period in Formula 1, with significant movements concerning driver contracts, new team entries, and fundamental regulatory changes. High-profile driver salaries, the early influence of experienced talent on nascent projects, and the FIA's proactive measures to ensure fair competition all point towards an evolving landscape as the sport gears up for its next major technical era in 2026. The continued drama surrounding team personnel and on-track incidents further fuels the F1 narrative.

What's next:

• The focus will shift to how Cadillac integrates Perez's feedback into their 2026 car development and how the FIA's new power unit equalization mechanisms are implemented.
• Further details on the 2026 power unit regulations and their impact on team strategies are expected to emerge as the season progresses.
• The long-term implications of Russell's new contract on Mercedes' driver lineup will also be a key talking point, while the aftermath of Christian Horner's departure and its ripple effects across the paddock will continue to unfold.