All Mercedes-powered cars experienced a battery deployment problem at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. George Russell was the most affected, leading to his early retirement after contact with Lewis Hamilton.
Toto Wolff confirmed that every Mercedes engine lacked energy out of Turn 1. The issue hit Russell hardest as he started third but dropped back rapidly on the Kemmel straight.
Russell described the battery failing to recharge after the La Source hairpin. He exited the first corner 35 percent down on charge and reached the top of Eau Rouge with zero percent, calling the situation dangerous.
Kimi Antonelli and Alpine's Pierre Gasly also suffered reduced performance. Antonelli recovered to win the race while Gasly lost positions early on.
Hamilton received a five-second penalty for the collision with Russell at Les Combes. Both Hamilton and Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur described the penalty as overly harsh and labelled the incident a racing matter.
