Russell’s furious Mercedes radio rant after Hamilton clash at Spa emerges

Russell had qualified fourth for the race before moving up to third on the grid following Lando Norris’ grid penalty for a power unit component change. However, his hopes of challenging for victory at Spa-Francorchamps came to an abrupt end almost immediately.

The Mercedes driver suffered a slow getaway from Turn 1 at La Source, compromising his momentum through Eau Rouge and onto the Kemmel Straight. As he struggled for speed, Russell was quickly swallowed up by the chasing pack before his race came to a premature conclusion following contact with Hamilton at Les Combes.

After the collision, Russell vented his frustration over team radio, making his feelings clear about the issue that had contributed to his dramatic loss of ground. “I am out, what the f*ck happened with the SOC down the straight? I had no battery down the straight! Unacceptable. Unf**king acceptable!” Russell said.

The incident was investigated by the stewards, with Hamilton subsequently handed a five-second time penalty for his role in the contact. While Russell endured a disappointing afternoon in Belgium, Mercedes enjoyed a contrasting result with rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli converting pole position into victory at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Following the race, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that all Mercedes-powered cars experienced issues on the straights during the Belgian Grand Prix, explaining Russell’s lack of performance before his opening-lap retirement.

Speaking to Sky F1 after the race, Wolff admitted that Russell’s difficult start from La Source was a result of a power unit-related problem, which significantly compromised his run through Eau Rouge and onto the Kemmel Straight.

“Two situations. First, the accident that happened was unfortunate for us. We lost a lot of constructors’ points and George’s drivers’ points. We had an issue on all Mercedes engines where we lacked power out on the straights. That hit him badly and it 100 per cent goes on us,” Wolff said.

The Mercedes boss added that the team’s recent setbacks highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. “We are trying our best as a team. We have the most powerful power unit, a strong car that is capable of winning. Everyone is giving their maximum to minimise the mistakes, and still it happens because we are humans at work."