British driver George Russell on Thursday claimed that Mercedes has found the cause of his car’s power management problems and dismissed all suggestions that the team favours Kimi Antonelli.
Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell said the team had found something that was “embedded in the calibration” of a code in his car’s power unit management that had resulted in him losing speed.
The problem undermined him at last Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, where he lost power on the opening lap and collided with former team-mate seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.
Antonelli went on to win the race and move 50 points clear of Russell, now in third place, in the drivers’ championship while Hamilton battled on to finish fourth and move into second, 45 points behind the Italian teenager.
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“There was just something deeply embedded in the calibration of the code. I mean, it’s almost impossible to see unless you knew exactly what to look for,” said Russell.
“So, I’m glad we have found it. Of course, it’s frustrating, but I’m just looking forward now, and that’s how the game goes,” he added.
He said, “Really, it’s just numbers on a computer screen, and it has been infinitely harder for the team to understand, with these new regs and some different regulation changes and less sensors in certain places.”
Russell was in a more buoyant mood than when he departed Spa-Francorchamps after an expletive-laden rant that his exit was ‘unacceptable’.
He pointed out that he remained closer to Antonelli now than he was in early June, when the gap was 68 points after the Monaco race.
He dismissed talk of a rift with Antonelli or any favouritism towards the teenager, posting on social media a photograph of them together on a private jet flying to Budapest.
“I think it’s nonsense, Kimi isn’t given preferential treatment. I know the truth and how much I am valued in the team. And (Mercedes team chief) Toto (Wolff) doesn’t have a favourite.” he said.
Pre-season title favourite Russell has won two races this year compared to Antonelli’s six. He has 154 points, Hamilton has 159, and Antonelli leads on 204.
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Published on Jul 23, 2026