P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell believes Mercedes has “taken a big step backwards” as the F1 season has gone on, after a difficult qualifying session for the Belgian GP.
George Russell expressed his belief that Mercedes has regressed significantly throughout the Formula 1 season, particularly evident during a challenging qualifying session at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite his solid performance, Russell is starting sixth on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps, trailing behind McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari. Notably, he even fell behind Williams’ Alex Albon, who secured the fifth starting position, while his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli failed to advance from Q1. Russell’s disappointing results continued in the Sprint Race, finishing 12th, emphasizing the team’s struggles and need for improvement.
Despite the uncertain reasons behind the W16’s underperformance, Russell emphasized the urgency to address the issues to remain competitive. He highlighted the team’s decline in recent races, contrasting the initial success of the season, which included podium finishes. The possibility of rain during the race could shake up the dynamics, potentially benefiting Mercedes. However, adapting the car setup for wet conditions might pose a challenge, underscoring the team’s need for strategic planning. Russell remains hopeful for a rebound but acknowledges the competitive midfield as a formidable obstacle to overcome in upcoming races.
