George Russell describes Mercedes' struggles ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 4:20 PM
Last updated Jul 18, 2026
George Russell is grappling with technical difficulties at Mercedes as he prepares for the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite starting from an advantageous P3 position, Russell reports significant losses in straight-line speed, an issue that has persisted since the Austrian Grand Prix. He has modified his driving style but still experiences a deficit of nearly four-tenths of a second on straights. The team has attempted various setup changes without resolution. Russell hopes to replicate his unexpected P2 finish from the British Grand Prix as he faces the race, knowing the challenges of his current setup.
- •Russell starts P3 in the Belgian Grand Prix on July 18.
- •Mercedes has faced ongoing straight-line speed issues since the Austrian Grand Prix.
- •Russell reports losing four-tenths of a second on straights during qualifying.
- •He previously altered driving style without improvement.
- •Russell aims for a strong finish, recalling recent podium success at Silverstone.
- 9:45 AMAutosport — Mercedes "struggling to understand" Russell's deployment issues in F1 2026
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell Admits Mercedes Has Hit a Technical Wall: “Battling With One Hand Behind Your Back”
"Mercedes is still trying to figure out why George Russell had more energy deployment issues at Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix despite tweaking his driving style, after he kept losing time to his team-mate on the straights. Russell's side of the Mercedes garage has been mystified by a lack of energy deployment and hence top speed on power-sensitive circuits, which already manifested itself in ...Keep reading
"If you want to know how frustrating it is to drive a Formula 1 car with a phantom straight-line speed deficit, just ask George Russell. Despite securing a highly advantageous P3 starting position for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, the British…
Sources
External links- AutosportJul 21, 2026, 9:45 AMMercedes "struggling to understand" Russell's deployment issues in F1 2026
Mercedes is still trying to figure out why George Russell had more energy deployment issues at Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix despite tweaking his driving style, after he kept losing time to his team-mate on the straights. Russell's side of the Mercedes garage has been mystified by a lack of energy deployment and hence top speed on power-sensitive circuits, which already manifested itself in ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 4:20 PMGeorge Russell Admits Mercedes Has Hit a Technical Wall: “Battling With One Hand Behind Your Back”
If you want to know how frustrating it is to drive a Formula 1 car with a phantom straight-line speed deficit, just ask George Russell. Despite securing a highly advantageous P3 starting position for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, the British…
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