2026 Hungarian GP: Russell issue and grid drops

Mercedes explained George Russell’s launch problem in Hungary, while confirmed grid penalties for Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton reshaped the order.

Formula1.com reported that Mercedes traced George Russell’s poor launch at the Hungarian Grand Prix to a throttle issue at lights-out, which the team said was not caused by the driver. The same report said Russell fell from sixth to 21st at the start. Autosport reported separately that a water leak after qualifying led Mercedes to fit a fresh V6 engine before the race, but that change did not bring a grid penalty, so Russell kept seventh on the grid.

Qualifying sanctions then altered the order around him. Autosport and RaceFans reported that Andrea Kimi Antonelli received a three-place grid drop for a yellow-flag infringement after qualifying fourth; the Mercedes driver arrived in Hungary leading the drivers’ championship on 219 points. Autosport also reported that Lewis Hamilton was handed a three-place penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri in Q3. Hamilton was second in the standings on 169 points, while Russell sat third on 160.