George Russell believes it is "not right" that Mercedes' Formula One rivals are trying to slow them down by questioning their adherence to new laws after a flying start to the season.

Russell triumphed at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix before finishing second, behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, in China last time out.

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have both challenged the Silver Arrows before dropping away, while Red Bull and McLaren have endured difficult starts to 2026.

But ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, more questions have been raised about Mercedes' adherence to regulation changes, with the front wing of their W17 car coming under scrutiny.

Footage from the Chinese Grand Prix appeared to show that Antonelli's front wing did not close as he hit the brakes, and as part of the new rules, they are only supposed to open on designated straights before closing within a 0.4-second timeframe. 

Even during pre-season, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was accusing other teams of attempting to sabotage their work, and Russell believes their rivals should focus on themselves.

Asked about other teams complaining about Mercedes' car, Russell said: "That's just how sport goes on to be honest. That has always been the case.

"We have worked so hard to get ourselves in this position, and the best team should come out on top. 

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"We've obviously had four years of struggle. There have been two other teams over four years who have dominated and won.

"Just because we're sort of back on top, I don't think it's quite right that everybody's trying to slow us down, especially when you're two races in.

"It's a big old season, so things will change. We've already seen Red Bull is overweight and some things we saw in the press last week, McLaren haven't brought an upgrade to the car. They're still running their Bahrain package.

"We shouldn't forget these things. We do have an advantage right now, but I think we've just really hit the ground running and done a great job. We hope it continues."