What Toto Wolff (Mercedes) had to say about George Russell’s ‘numb’ comment

For Mercedes driver George Russell, yet another Formula 1 race in Belgium ended in the gravel trap at the side of the track rather than at the finish line. The Briton retired as early as the first lap of the race at Spa-Francorchamps. Immediately after the start, on the Eau Rouge section, Russell experienced problems with the power supply from the battery, causing him to fall back through the field. With a power deficit, he was caught by his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton, spun and ended up in the gravel trap. The race was over for Russell.

A racing incident – Russell and Hamilton both agree on that. The main problem was not the collision between the two drivers, but the fact that Russell had too little power available. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also commented after the race: the retirement was 50 per cent down to the power unit.

Russell: Desensitised by the many disappointments

Russell’s post-race comments sound alarmingly disillusioned: “I’ve become a bit jaded when it comes to the disappointments in this year’s races. When it happens so often, you get used to it.” Phew…

This season (at the start of which he was tipped to be the 2026 world champion) everything seems to be going against Russell. In Canada, whilst leading, he retired due to a battery problem. In Monaco, he fell far behind due to an unfair penalty and its consequences. Now, a crash-induced retirement at Spa. In the World Championship standings, he lies five points behind Hamilton in the Ferrari and a whopping 50 points behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli. The Brit is going through a lot at the moment…

Toto Wolff shows understanding

When asked about his protégé’s frank remarks, team principal Toto Wolff said after the race: “You have to understand that drivers react very emotionally in situations like this. On the other hand, as a Formula 1 driver, you belong to a very special elite. I consider it a great honour to drive a Mercedes. Sometimes we let ourselves down, and whilst that’s down to the driver, it’s also down to us. These are valuable constructors’ points that we’re losing in the battle against Ferrari. That’s why I hope this feeling of apathy will fade away again. We’ll try to restore optimism and a positive attitude.”

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