George Russell has experienced a new disappointment in the 2026 Formula 1 season after being unable to race in the Belgian GP, following an incident with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, on the first lap. However, his biggest concern is not the accident, but the problems with his vehicle’s battery that caused him a crucial disadvantage.
With a third-place start at Spa-Francorchamps, the Briton was quickly overtaken by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, and subsequently hit by Hamilton in the right turn that triggered his final race.
Russell explained that he could not recharge the battery properly while braking for the La Source corner, leaving him vulnerable to the competition. ‘I made a good start and was ready to face the drivers in front of me, but for some reason, the battery did not recharge in the first lap,’ he stated.
The Mercedes driver added that he was left without power as he climbed up Eau Rouge. ‘I was at 0% battery. Frankly, it was dangerous. I was overtaken by three cars,’ he said, showing his indignation at having found himself in this initially favorable situation.
Although Hamilton received a five-second penalty for his role in the incident, Russell expressed that his main concern was not so much the touch with Hamilton as the issues with the electrical system that led him to this scenario. ‘Lewis and I, really, I think it was a racing incident. He didn’t do it on purpose,’ he commented.
With the season leading to a series of setbacks, Russell admitted that he is already used to disappointment: ‘I’m already numb to disappointment, when it happens so often, you get used to it.’
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
