George Russell says it's too early to judge Formula 1's controversial 2026 car regulations after drivers finally tested the new generation at Bahrain. The Mercedes driver believes critics should reserve judgment until the cars have been properly evaluated in race conditions.

The Bahrain test marked the first opportunity for teams to run the ambitious new hybrid-powered cars under representative conditions. Much attention has focused on the complex energy recovery systems that represent a major technical shift for the sport. Several drivers have already expressed concerns about how the cars perform, particularly in close racing situations.

Russell's measured approach contrasts with some of the more vocal criticism from other drivers. The 26-year-old Briton, who finished second in the 2023 championship, argues that the true test of the regulations will come during actual grand prix weekends. His perspective carries weight given Mercedes' position as one of F1's most technically sophisticated teams.