Wolff calls for solution to Russell's persistent straight-line speed issue

Speaking to Sky Sports after qualifying, Wolff admitted Antonelli's first Q3 lap had not looked particularly convincing due to tyre overheating, which cost him performance early in the run. However, as track temperatures gradually dropped, the Italian steadily improved and ultimately delivered a dominant lap to secure pole position.

Shifting his focus to Sunday's race, the Austrian admitted it is difficult to predict how things will unfold, pointing out that while starting from pole is an advantage on Saturday, it could leave the polesitter vulnerable on the long run to Eau Rouge at the start of the race.

Finally, regarding the straight-line deficit experienced by Russell, Wolff said the team still needed to identify the root cause. While some time was being lost through the corners, he explained that the bigger concern was the lack of speed on the straights, an issue Mercedes had yet to fully understand. He added that the priority would now be ensuring both cars were capable of fighting at the front.

Speaking after qualifying, Russell revealed that Mercedes had made some progress in reducing the straight-line speed deficit, but stressed that a significant issue was still affecting his car. He explained that the team had already ruled out several possible causes, including the brakes and his driving style, and was now convinced the problem lay elsewhere, with engineers continuing to work hard to identify the source.

Despite the ongoing issue, Russell said he was very satisfied with his qualifying lap and believed it would have been good enough to challenge for the front row under normal circumstances. Instead, he explained that almost all of the team's focus over the previous 36 hours had gone into investigating the straight-line losses rather than refining the car's setup.

He added that it was particularly frustrating to see speed dropping even while travelling flat out on the straights, admitting the issue left him feeling powerless behind the wheel. While he did not believe the power unit itself was responsible, Russell said something was clearly holding the car back on the straights, with Mercedes fully committed to finding a solution.