Mercedes principal Toto Wolff has admitted the team let George Russell down at the Belgian Grand Prix, calling the power unit issues '100% on us.' The British driver failed to score points after a clash with Lewis Hamilton, a result that dealt a serious blow to his title hopes.
The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who now leads Russell by 50 points in the world championship. Russell was clipped by Hamilton on the opening lap, sending him off into the gravel and ending his race. While Russell called it a racing incident, he insisted he would not have been alongside Hamilton but for his Mercedes failing to deploy sufficient power on the run to the Les Combes corner.
Wolff Takes Full Responsibility
Wolff addressed the power unit deficiency head-on, stating, 'We had an issue on all Mercedes engines that we lacked the power out on the straights. That bit him badly and it goes 100% on us.' He emphasized that George has the team's full support and that the issue was a collective mistake.
Wolff explained, 'Half of it is to be attributed to the power unit that wasn’t as good as it should have been and the other half may be on the driving. But we are in this together, we all make mistakes, today is the mistake of the team and another day is going to be the driver.'
Russell's Frustration
Russell described the result as leaving him 'numb with disappointment,' feeling he should not have been competing for the corner with the Ferraris, who swept past him on the Kemmel straight. Wolff understood his driver's strong reaction, saying, 'It’s completely understandable that the moment you’re out of the race, it’s so frustrating and the emotions boil.'
Hamilton was found culpable by the stewards and given a five-second penalty, but the damage was already done. Russell's championship hopes now face an uphill battle.
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes admitted full responsibility for the power unit issue that cost George Russell points.
- Russell's clash with Hamilton ended his race early, widening the championship gap to 50 points.
- Toto Wolff emphasized team unity and support for Russell moving forward.
Performance Comparison: Mercedes vs. Ferrari at Belgian GP
| Team | Power Unit Issue | Driver Points | Race Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes | Electrical energy deployment deficiency | Russell: 0 points | DNF (collision) |
| Ferrari | No reported issues | Both drivers scored | Top 5 finish |
FAQ
What caused George Russell's crash at the Belgian GP?
Russell was clipped by Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap after his Mercedes lacked power due to an electrical energy deployment issue, forcing him into a vulnerable position.
Did Toto Wolff blame the team or the driver?
Wolff said the power unit issue was '100% on us,' but acknowledged that part of the problem may have been on the driving. He emphasized collective responsibility and support.
How does this affect the championship standings?
Kimi Antonelli now leads Russell by 50 points in the world championship, a significant blow to Russell's title hopes after scoring zero points at the Belgian GP.
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