Mercedes has determined that George Russell's performance issues between Silverstone and Spa stemmed from an anomaly in the power unit management software. Whether the fix has worked will only be confirmed at the Italian GP in Monza.
George Russell has explained that the drop in performance in recent races was due to a software calibration error in the power unit, not his driving style. The British driver stated that he will enter the Hungarian GP with a clearer mind.
Mercedes is continuing its efforts to find the root of the problem after George Russell's energy distribution deficit, which persisted even at the Belgian GP, could not be resolved despite changes in driving style.
George Russell, who finished 0.508 seconds behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli in qualifying for the Belgian GP, stated that the loss of speed in the straight corners could no longer be explained by driving style and that there was a serious problem with the car.
Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson said that Mercedes' reliability problems throughout the season created a concrete opportunity for Ferrari in the championship fight. According to Davidson, Ferrari can use its 'bulletproof' mechanical reliability as an asset.
Speaking from second place at the British GP, George Russell openly acknowledged that his teammate Kimi Antonelli is in better form than him for the 2026 season.
Lewis Hamilton said that due to the reliability issues Mercedes is experiencing, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli could face grid penalties later in the season due to engine component overuse.
Formula 1 is heading to Silverstone this weekend for the 10th race of the 2026 season, the British Grand Prix. Following a single practice session, a sprint race will be held on Saturday.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, following the Austrian GP, expressed his satisfaction with the duo of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli and announced that there would be no lineup changes.
George Russell won the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, maintaining his lead from pole position. Max Verstappen finished second, and his teammate Kimi Antonelli came in third.
