Russell urges Mercedes to boost straight-line speed post-British GP
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 6:01 AM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
After the British Grand Prix, George Russell expressed concerns about Mercedes' straight-line speed to team principal Toto Wolff. Despite Russell's frustrations, Wolff maintained that the car's performance in that area was satisfactory during the race. Meanwhile, Russell managed to secure second place, capitalizing on issues faced by teammate Kimi Antonelli, who ultimately finished outside the points. This outcome allowed Charles Leclerc to take the victory and helped reduce Ferrari's deficit to Mercedes in the constructors' championship. Russell acknowledged Antonelli's superiority in the season so far, estimating a performance gap of 10 to 30 points as fair, with Antonelli currently leading by 25 points.
- •Russell urges improvements to Mercedes' straight-line speed after the race.
- •Wolff disagrees, stating the car's straight-line speed was adequate.
- •Russell finished second, benefiting from Antonelli's struggles.
- •Leclerc claimed victory, narrowing the points gap to Mercedes.
- •Russell rates Antonelli as the stronger driver this season.
- 6:01 AMYahoo Sports — Russell's radio plea gets immediate response from Wolff: 'Straight-line speed was okay in the race'
"A brief exchange between George Russell and Toto Wolff after the British Grand Prix caught the attention of fans on social media, with the former urging the team to address its straight-line speed deficit in the near future before the Austrian was quick to respond. The British driver made the most of his home weekend by capitalising on another setback for teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who went from a potential British Grand Prix winner to finishing outside the points.
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