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Complex Mercedes Engine Issue Plagued Russell: Cause Found
Following a string of disappointing results and in-depth analysis, Mercedes has uncovered the root cause of the electrical issues affecting George Russell's car.
By Patrick Koster - 2026-07-23T17:41:53.000Z - 3 min read
George Russell experienced an impressive resurgence in the lead-up to recent races. Following the Monaco Grand Prix, he dramatically narrowed his points deficit from 66 to just 25 points. Claiming pole position in Barcelona and Oostenrijk, alongside a race victory at the latter, the Brit appeared to be firmly on the ascent. While acknowledging room for improvement, he felt closer to the front than four races prior, well before the season's midpoint.
However, the Belgian Grand Prix proved to be a major setback. A series of engine-related issues blighted his weekend and heavily impacted his performance. A deficit in electrical energy deployment over the final sector cost him substantial time; during qualifying, this accounted for roughly half of his half-second gap to teammate Antonelli.
A similar problem surfaced during the race, particularly on the exit of Turn 1, where both Mercedes drivers suffered from reduced electrical power. Antonelli managed the situation more effectively: coming under pressure from Max Verstappen's Red Bull, he lifted through Eau Rouge, which reset his system and granted him full electrical deployment on the subsequent straight. Russell, by contrast, took Eau Rouge flat out, leaving him vulnerable to Lewis Hamilton, who subsequently made contact with him at the following chicane.
In the interval between Belgium and Hungary, Mercedes conducted an intensive investigation into the root cause. The team uncovered a deep-seated issue within the power unit calibration and code—so complex that it was virtually invisible without knowing exactly where to look. Circuits like Spa and Silverstone particularly exposed the defect due to their distinct characteristics. Relief at finding the cause is tangible within the team.
Russell admitted that these technical complications consumed far too much of his focus. Having previously adapted his driving style and made progress after Monaco, he became distracted trying to compensate for the engine troubles. He spent excessive time tweaking his driving style to suit the power unit rather than focusing purely on driving fast. After Spa, however, it was confirmed that the issue did not lie with his driving style—an important, validated lesson for the Briton.
As focus now shifts forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix, the nature of the track changes significantly. The Hungaroring differs markedly from Spa and Silverstone, renowned for its twisty layout. Traditionally, this might favor Ferrari given their strong performance in slow-speed corners.
Nevertheless, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are tempering expectations. Even though Ferrari won two of the last four races, Hamilton remains resolute. In his view, Mercedes is still the team to beat, dominant on virtually every circuit including slow-speed tracks like Monaco, and he expects his team to be fastest in Hungary as well.
Meanwhile, McLaren, featuring world champion Lando Norris, is bringing a major upgrade package this weekend. While the team hopes these modifications will push them back toward the front and resolve their current issues, Norris remains cautiously optimistic. Earlier upgrades this year did not always deliver as anticipated, prompting a wait-and-see stance from the team.