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George Russell finishes eighth in Belgian GP practice

2026-07-17 · George Russell · Match Report

George Russell finishes eighth in Belgian GP practice

George Russell finished eighth in the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, sparking worries about his performance ahead of the race. The Mercedes driver struggled with pace, leaving fans and analysts questioning his readiness for the upcoming event.

What happened in practice?

Russell clocked a time of 1:45.234, placing him behind several key rivals, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The session was marked by variable weather conditions, which may have contributed to his difficulties. Despite his efforts, Russell could not match the pace of the front-runners, raising concerns about his car's setup.

Why it matters for George Russell

This result comes at a critical time for Russell, who has been working to improve his consistency this season. A strong performance in Belgium is essential for his championship aspirations, and a poor showing in practice could signal deeper issues. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can bounce back in qualifying and the race.

What comes next?

The next practice session will be crucial for Russell and his team. They will need to analyze the data from the first session and make adjustments to improve his pace. With the race just days away, every moment on the track counts. Russell will be looking to turn things around and secure a better position on the grid.

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