Russell namechecks ‘pretty spectacular’ Aston Martin as he assesses competition after Barcelona Shakedown

George Russell has described Adrian Newey’s debut Aston Martin as “pretty spectacular” and “probably the most standout” design of those seen at the Barcelona Shakedown.

All teams aside from Williams attended last week’s gathering at the Spanish venue, which saw F1’s all-new 2026 cars hit the track for the first time, and will be followed by two official pre-season test sessions in Bahrain later this month.

While Mercedes impressed with their consistent running and high mileage, Silver Arrows driver Russell pointed to what he saw from some of their rivals, as well as the potential for a “big fight” under the rules reset.

“I think the best-case scenario for the sport and also for the drivers is you’ve got a number of different drivers and a number of different teams all battling it out,” said Russell.

“I think at the moment it does look like Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and ourselves are the four teams that are all quite close within one another, but you can’t discount what you’ve seen from Aston Martin.

“What Adrian has done with that car, it looks pretty spectacular, and Honda over the past few years with Red Bull have had a very good engine beneath them. So, we also know what they’re capable of.

“It would be awesome to see a big fight. I remember 2012 or 2010, when you had the McLarens, Fernando [in the Ferrari], the Red Bulls, all fighting – that’s what the sport is about and that’s what we hope it will be about this year.”

Pushed on what caught his eye across the Barcelona Shakedown, Russell added: “The Aston Martin was probably the most standout in terms of the car design.

“I think everybody was looking at that rear suspension and it obviously visually looks very impressive, but it’s not a competition of how sexy it is – it’s a competition of how fast it goes around the track.

“So, people always look towards the fastest car, and we’ll find that out in Melbourne. Whoever that is, that will be the car that you wish to try and take inspiration from.”

The competition aside, Russell also made clear what his own aspirations are in 2026, as he gets set to enter his fifth season with the works Mercedes outfit.

“I feel ready to fight for a World Championship, and whether we have that comment above us or not, that does not change my approach one single bit,” said the 27-year-old, who will turn 28 later this month.

“I’m working so hard with the team, everybody here has been working flat out to really maximise this new set of regulations.

“I’m honestly just so excited by the challenge, because it is a huge challenge adapting to these new cars, how the energy management works, the re-harvesting of the batteries, getting your head around the boost system, the overtake modes, the active aero.

“There’s a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage from that, and I feel confident with myself and my team.”