Toto Wolff gives reason for George Russell's 2026 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying deficit to Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has defended George Russell following a qualifying deficit to teammate Kimi Antonelli at the Belgian Grand Prix. Wolff attributed the performance gap to unexplained straight-line speed issues and a lack of car synergy rather than driver error.
Why it matters
The performance dynamics between veteran drivers and rising stars in Formula 1 are critical to team strategy and championship standings.
'Not his fault' – Wolff gives reason for Russell's Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying deficit to Antonelli George Russell was left in P4 and half a second adrfit of Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli in Belgium.
Toto Wolff admits that some of George Russell's deficit to Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli in Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix is "not his fault".
Antonelli claimed his sixth pole position of the season on Saturday in Spa , beating Max Verstappen to the fastest time by more than three tenths.
While Antonelli will start from the front row once again, Russell was only able to qualify P4, but will be promoted a spot due to a 10-place grid penalty for Lando Norris.
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