Simone Resta confirms Spa software bug affected both Mercedes cars
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 10:30 AM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
At the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell's race was marred by a significant software bug that impacted both Mercedes cars. Simone Resta, Mercedes Strategic Development Director, revealed the issue began weeks earlier at the British Grand Prix, highlighting differences in driving styles as a contributing factor. Russell's car experienced a complete lack of battery deployment at a critical moment, leading to a collision with Lewis Hamilton. Resta confirmed that the bug impacted energy harvesting at Turn 1, which hindered both Russell and his teammate Kimi Antonelli despite their good starts. Mercedes now faces a crucial break to address these issues before returning for the Dutch Grand Prix.
- •Resta confirms a software bug affected both Mercedes cars.
- •Russell's issues began at the British Grand Prix.
- •The bug caused a complete lack of battery deployment at Eau Rouge.
- •Antonelli managed to recover after the same malfunction.
- •Mercedes will address the issue during the summer break.
- 11:30 AMMotorsport.com — George Russell Mercedes F1 exit speculation dismissed despite Kimi Antonelli gap
- 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Simone Resta Defends George Russell, Confirms Spa Software Bug Affected Both Mercedes Cars
"Following a disastrous Belgian Grand Prix for George Russell, Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has firmly dismissed suggestions that the British driver could consider leaving Mercedes. Russell endured another difficult weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. After he suffered electrical power deployment issues off the line, Russell's race was cut short following a collision with his ...Keep reading
"The fallout from George Russell’s disastrous opening lap at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix continues to dominate the Formula 1 paddock. After intense online speculation regarding perceived favoritism toward his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes is officially clearing the air.…
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJul 23, 2026, 11:30 AMGeorge Russell Mercedes F1 exit speculation dismissed despite Kimi Antonelli gap
Following a disastrous Belgian Grand Prix for George Russell, Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has firmly dismissed suggestions that the British driver could consider leaving Mercedes. Russell endured another difficult weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. After he suffered electrical power deployment issues off the line, Russell's race was cut short following a collision with his ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJul 21, 2026, 10:30 AMSimone Resta Defends George Russell, Confirms Spa Software Bug Affected Both Mercedes Cars
The fallout from George Russell’s disastrous opening lap at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix continues to dominate the Formula 1 paddock. After intense online speculation regarding perceived favoritism toward his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes is officially clearing the air.…
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