Belgian GP 2026: Russell details Mercedes deficit
George Russell says a straight-line Mercedes issue is limiting him against Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Spa, with Mercedes also investigating the gap.
George Russell said a straight-line performance problem on his Mercedes was leaving him unable to match team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, as reported by BBC Sport and Formula1.com. Formula1.com also reported that team principal Toto Wolff said part of Russell’s qualifying deficit to Antonelli was not Russell’s fault.
Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that Mercedes was working to resolve the issue behind Russell’s gap to Antonelli. The problem carries weight in the 2026 drivers’ championship, where Antonelli sits first on 179 points and Russell is second on 154.
Russell has made 161 Formula 1 starts and taken seven wins. Antonelli, in his first two Mercedes seasons, has 33 entries, five wins, five poles and 10 podiums.
- Wolff gives reason for Russell's Belgian GP deficit - Formula1.com
- Russell 'infuriated' by straight-line issue that leaves him 'powerless' - BBC Sport
- Mercedes working to resolve “serious issue” behind Russell’s deficit to Antonelli - Autosport
- Fighting Antonelli with straight-line speed deficit “impossible” – Russell | RaceFans Round-up - RaceFans