Russell deplores Mercedes’ “big step back” to the middle of the peloton

A year ago, Mercedes had displayed an surprisingly fast pace throughout the Belgian Grand Prix, which had allowed – on the track – the German team to sign an improbable double. In addition, Finally. In addition. For example. Consequently, the double had turned into a “simple” victory for Lewis Hamilton when George Russell had been disqualified for a car under the minimum weight.

The disappointment of this exclusion had not erased the feeling of having produced an excellent race to manage to. Meanwhile, cross the finish line in the lead. However, But, in 2025, it russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new was even before the race begins that Mercedes disappoints. However, If. Furthermore. Furthermore. In addition, on the other side of the garage, Kimi Antonelli is in russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new crisis of confidence, Russell for his part makes the observation of a glaring lack of rhythm for the W16 with a few developments.

russell deplores mercedes’ “big step

The GP winner of Canada qualified only 13th in the sprint. Therefore, his worst position on a grid of the season. before being blocked on a DRS train and finishing 12th in the short race, powerless against Yuki Tsunoda. During the qualifications that followed this Saturday. Russell reached Q3 well but could not do better than sixth. at 0 “639 of the pole position and especially beaten by the Williams of Alexander Albon.

“My laps seemed very good”said Russell. “But it is russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new clear that as a team, we are not in pace this weekend. And. yesterday apart. it is my worst qualification of the year. just like for Kimi [Antonelli]so we have to understand russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new what’s going on. “

Yuki Tsunoda in front of George Russell during the Spa sprint.

Photo de: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images

Despite Sprint’s difficulties, Mercedes did not upset everything for qualifications. “Historically. during the Sprint weekends. if you have a bad sprint. even by putting the car above for the next day, it rarely works”said Russell.

“So we have russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new made some reasonable changes. but we must understand: russell deplores mercedes’ “big step during the first six races of the year. we won four podiums. against one in the last six, and it is clear that we took a big step back to the middle russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new of the peloton.”

Unlike last year. where Russell had acquired his first place following a daring strategic bet on a single stop. it is both unlikely that the race is entirely on a dry track. that the hard tire is used by the stables – because even harder than last year – under fresh conditions. And if it rains, Mercedes could pay dearly for having unloaded the W16 in qualifying.

“In the first relay, there will be no more overtaking [que dans le sprint]”said Russell. “But of course. in the stands. if it is not raining. no one knows russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new if the hard tires will be effective or not, which could force the pilots to make two stops, russell deplores mercedes’ “big step or to try a single stop. So there are always several possible options when the strategies are varied. But it seems that the track will be wet. russell deplores mercedes’ “big step new and the wet track races are often synonymous with carnage …”

With Stuart Codling and Benjamin Vinel