Mercedes driver George Russell has redirected his focus to core vehicle fundamentals during the three-week break leading up to the Canadian Grand Prix practice sessions at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
The British driver is prioritizing basic car set-up and tire optimization, moving away from the intense focus on complex energy management systems that had dominated the team's efforts.
>>> PWHL Names Meghan Duggan, Troy Ryan as Expansion GMs for Hamilton, San Jose
Learning from Miami
Russell noted that the intricate balance between internal combustion and electrical power in the 2026 engines had previously sidelined traditional mechanical fine-tuning.
"We got some really great learning from Miami," said Russell.
He explained that the necessity of balancing a near 50-50 power split between the engine and electrical components had consumed engineering resources across the grid throughout the opening rounds.
>>> Stellantis Promises Door-To-Door Hands-Free Driving With New Level 2++ System
"All of the basics; they've almost been put on the back burner because we've all been so focused on energy management," he added.
Russell emphasized that navigating tires into the optimal operating window remains critical for race weekends, prompting the reassessment of priorities within his side of the Mercedes garage.
>>> De Minaur Faces Paul in Historic Hamburg Open Semifinal
"Those issues haven't just disappeared, it's just we haven't been as focused on it and Miami was a really great reminder for my side of the garage and myself that you still need to focus on those fundamentals that make or break the weekend," said Russell.
