George Russell blames ‘serious issue’ for straight-line speed deficit to Kimi Antonelli

George Russell has admitted Mercedes are fighting a “serious issue” that is robbing him of straight-line speed and leaving him trailing teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula 1 title fight.

On 18 July at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Russell secured third on the grid for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. He qualified 0.522s behind pole-sitter Antonelli on Saturday, yet still finished fourth in the session before Norris’ penalty elevated him one place.

What happened?

Russell’s deficit showed up in every sector, but the Mercedes driver was clearest about the problem on the straights. He told reporters after qualifying that the gap to Antonelli was “anywhere from two-tenths to six-tenths” on the longest runs.

Mercedes initially suspected brakes, then Russell’s throttle technique under the new 2026 rules. Both theories were ruled out. “I convinced myself it was something in me,” Russell said. “Now we’re very confident it’s not the driving style, and that there’s a serious issue at play here.”

Why it matters for George Russell

At 28, Russell entered the season as the preseason favourite. Yet he now trails Antonelli by 25 points after two wins to the Italian’s five. The gap has narrowed from 68 after Monaco thanks to Antonelli’s retirements in Barcelona and Silverstone and Russell’s victory in Austria.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff admitted the team is “unable to explain” the deficit. He suggested Antonelli’s fresh engine may play a role, but added that future tracks should blunt that advantage.

What comes next?

Russell insists the team is “working so hard” to solve the problem. He described the feeling as “powerless” and vowed to keep pushing despite the frustration.

Wolff noted Russell has already clawed back “a few tenths,” yet still lacks full harmony with the W17. “At the moment he doesn’t gel with the car,” Wolff said. “We just need to bring it together.”

The bigger picture

The straight-line issue surfaced first at Silverstone. Mercedes have left no stone unturned, yet the gap persists. With Spa’s long Kemmel and Blanchimont straights looming large, Russell’s race will hinge on whether the team can turn theory into lap-time before Sunday’s lights go out.