George Russell struggles again at Belgian GP, prompting support from Juan Pablo Montoya
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 2:20 PM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026

George Russell experienced another setback during the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, retiring after a collision with Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap. Russell also faced electrical issues early in the race, further complicating his efforts in a challenging season. Despite these difficulties, Montoya believes these moments will contribute positively to Russell's development as a driver. The Mercedes team has been supportive, focusing on improvement rather than assigning blame. The Hungarian Grand Prix is set for July 24-26, offering Russell an opportunity to rebound.
- •Russell retires after opening-lap crash at Spa-Francorchamps.
- •Montoya believes Russell's struggles will aid his growth long-term.
- •Russell now ranks third in the championship, 50 points behind Antonelli.
- •Mercedes continues to support its drivers amid challenges.
- •Hungarian Grand Prix scheduled for July 24-26.
- 2:20 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell told "low" moments are "really good thing for him" after Belgian GP blow
- 2:20 PMMotorsport.com — George Russell told "low" moments are "really good thing for him" after Belgian GP blow
"Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes George Russell's difficult 2026 campaign will ultimately benefit him in the long term. Russell suffered another retirement at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps after an opening-lap clash with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. In addition to the collision, which left him beached in the gravel, Russell had already encountered an ...Keep reading
"Juan Pablo Montoya believes George Russell’s difficult 2026 season will ultimately make him a stronger driver while highlighting Mercedes’ supportive approach.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 2:20 PMGeorge Russell told "low" moments are "really good thing for him" after Belgian GP blow
Juan Pablo Montoya believes George Russell’s difficult 2026 season will ultimately make him a stronger driver while highlighting Mercedes’ supportive approach.
- Motorsport.comJul 20, 2026, 2:20 PMGeorge Russell told "low" moments are "really good thing for him" after Belgian GP blow
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes George Russell's difficult 2026 campaign will ultimately benefit him in the long term. Russell suffered another retirement at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps after an opening-lap clash with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. In addition to the collision, which left him beached in the gravel, Russell had already encountered an ...Keep reading
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