Toto Wolff accepts blame for George Russell's early exit in Belgium
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 3:24 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Toto Wolff acknowledged responsibility for the power unit issue that led to George Russell's retirement during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on July 19. Russell's race ended on lap five after his battery was depleted, leaving him vulnerable to competitors. Wolff emphasized that team mistakes contributed significantly to the problem, and he expressed support for Russell in dealing with the disappointment. The Mercedes team has been facing performance issues with the power unit that has not been fully explained, indicating ongoing challenges in the current racing season.
- •George Russell retired due to a power unit failure on lap five.
- •Kimi Antonelli won the race by 1.9 seconds over Charles Leclerc.
- •Mercedes has acknowledged persistent power performance issues.
- •Toto Wolff emphasized the need for team support amid struggles.
- •Lewis Hamilton received a five-second penalty for a collision.
- 7:06 PMThe Guardian Sport — Russell’s Mercedes problems ‘100% on us’, says Toto Wolff after Belgium blow
- 3:24 PMYahoo Sports — Toto Wolff Takes Full Blame for the Power Loss That Ended George Russell’s Belgian GP
"Russell clipped by Hamilton on lap one after power loss British driver 50 points behind Antonelli in standings Toto Wolff, the Mercedes principal, has admitted the team let George Russell down. The British driver failed to score a point at the Belgian Grand Prix after a clash with Lewis Hamilton which Russell attributed squarely to his car’s performance not being up to scratch. The race at Spa was won by Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who now leads Russell by 50 points in the world championship, a serious blow to the British driver’s title hopes. Continue reading...
"Kimi Antonelli crossed the line 1.9 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc to claim his sixth win of the 2026 season at Spa-Francorchamps. His teammate wasn’t there to see it. George Russell‘s afternoon ended in the gravel on lap five, and…
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJul 19, 2026, 7:06 PMRussell’s Mercedes problems ‘100% on us’, says Toto Wolff after Belgium blow
Russell clipped by Hamilton on lap one after power loss British driver 50 points behind Antonelli in standings Toto Wolff, the Mercedes principal, has admitted the team let George Russell down. The British driver failed to score a point at the Belgian Grand Prix after a clash with Lewis Hamilton which Russell attributed squarely to his car’s performance not being up to scratch. The race at Spa was won by Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who now leads Russell by 50 points in the world championship, a serious blow to the British driver’s title hopes. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 3:24 PMToto Wolff Takes Full Blame for the Power Loss That Ended George Russell’s Belgian GP
Kimi Antonelli crossed the line 1.9 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc to claim his sixth win of the 2026 season at Spa-Francorchamps. His teammate wasn’t there to see it. George Russell‘s afternoon ended in the gravel on lap five, and…
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