Mercedes investigates Russell software issue

Mercedes is examining George Russell’s deployment problem after Spa, with reports linking it to software as he sits third on 154 points in 2026.

Mercedes is investigating the deployment problems that have affected George Russell, with Autosport and Motorsport.com reporting the team traced the issue to power unit software. RaceFans also reported Mercedes said the same software fault was present on both cars at Spa, while Autosport said the team was still trying to understand why Russell’s energy deployment trouble continued.

Russell is third in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 154 points, while team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads on 204. BBC Sport reported Russell said the straight-line issue had made his title fight feel impossible, and also reported his Spa retirement left him 50 points behind Antonelli. Autosport and Motorsport.com both reported Russell believes the data points to software calibration rather than his driving style.

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported Mercedes may not know until the Italian Grand Prix whether it has fully identified the root cause. That means the team is still working to confirm whether its fix resolves the problem that affected Russell from Silverstone to Spa.