George Russell says Mercedes have identified and solved the electrical problem that has hurt his world championship hopes over the past three races, including the most recent round in Belgium. The Briton had been left furious when the fault played a key role in his early-race trouble at Spa, and he says the team has now found the cause before this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Russell has been dealing with issues in electrical energy deployment since the Austrian GP, with the problem particularly evident at Silverstone and Spa, two energy-dependent circuits. In Belgium, he said he lacked electrical energy when exiting turn one on the opening lap, leaving him vulnerable to the chasing pack, including the Ferraris that swept past and put him into Les Combes alongside Lewis Hamilton, who clipped the Mercedes.
The problem also led to frustration with the team over the car’s energy management, although Mercedes were initially unable to identify what was causing the erratic performance. The issue was governed by the electronic control systems as part of the engine’s hybrid battery unit. Before this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell confirmed the problem had been identified and fixed.
What did Russell say about the fix?
Russell said the team had finally found positive answers from the battery and that he was now focused on moving ahead. He explained that modern power units are extremely complex and said the problem was buried deep in the calibration code, making it almost impossible to spot unless the team knew exactly what to look for.
“I’m feeling good and glad there are some positive answers that have come back from the battery and it’s eyes forward now,”
“These new power units are just exceptionally complex, and there was something deeply embedded in the calibration of the code that was almost impossible to see unless … you knew exactly what to look for. So I’m glad we have found it. Spa and Silverstone probably exposed the issue just because of the nature of the track.”
Russell had previously lashed out at his team on the radio after the Spa incident and said he stood by the force of his reaction because it helped ensure the problem was addressed. He said speaking up was necessary if the team was to make progress.
“My words could have been slightly different,”
“I felt quite vocal about this issue pre-Spa and during Spa, and ultimately we have achieved what we wanted to in the sense of finding there was an issue. If you sit there and not express any views, maybe you find an issue, maybe you don’t, you don’t move forward.”
How has the issue affected Russell’s title bid?
The problem has damaged Russell’s world championship hopes and contributed to a difficult spell in recent races. His Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli went on to win the race in Belgium and extend his lead over Russell in the title race to 50 points.
Russell was angry that the deployment problem had left him alongside Lewis Hamilton after the start, particularly because he believed the fault had put him in danger when the Ferraris closed in. The incident added to his frustration after several races in which the energy issue had already been affecting performance.
Is Russell the only driver dealing with these issues?
No, Russell is not alone in facing frustration with the computer-controlled deployment of electrical energy in the new formula. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was also struggling with a lack of energy during qualifying, leaving him two-tenths down on teammate Lando Norris.
McLaren attributed that deficit not to driving style but to variables in the computer-controlled deployment systems, which they also said they could not identify. The parallel problems underline how complex the current power-unit systems can be for drivers and engineers.
Could Malaysia return to the calendar this year?
Yes, the possibility of a return for the Malaysian Grand Prix has been raised during the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. The meeting is being considered for a slot between the races in Baku and Singapore on 4 October.
Bahrain had also been in contention for the date, but renewed hostilities in the Middle East have made that option highly unlikely. The Malaysian race would add another option to a crowded late-season schedule if it is approved.
What other calendar changes is F1 considering?
F1 is also looking at alternatives in case the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled. Portimão in Portugal is the likely candidate, with the race potentially taking place two weeks after the previous round in Las Vegas.
However, the sport does not plan to make a decision on whether to call off the two Middle East meetings until as late as possible. That leaves the situation open while calendar and contingency options continue to be discussed.
Key Facts
- George Russell says Mercedes have identified and solved an electrical deployment problem affecting his engine.
- The issue has affected him since the Austrian GP and was especially visible at Silverstone and Spa.
- In Belgium, Russell lacked electrical energy exiting turn one and was vulnerable to the chasing Ferraris.
- Kimi Antonelli won in Belgium and extended his lead over Russell in the title race to 50 points.
- McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also had a qualifying energy deficit, while F1 is considering Malaysia, Portimão and other contingency options.
