George Russell’s chance for a strong showing in the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race took a significant hit after qualifying went awry, with the Mercedes driver attributing the setback to his teammate’s spin on the track. Both Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli showed competitive pace during practice, but their momentum was abruptly halted during Sprint Qualifying 1 at Stavelot.

Teammate’s Spin Leaves Gravel That Hampers Performance

Antonelli’s spin at the Stavelot corner caused more than just his own elimination; the gravel left behind on the racing line negatively impacted Russell’s qualifying lap, preventing him from advancing. Although Russell started well in Free Practice 1, his performance declined once the scattered gravel came into play, forcing him to settle for 13th on the Sprint Race starting grid. Meanwhile, Antonelli will begin from the back following his exit from qualifying.

Russell Rejects Other Factors, Placing Blame Firmly on Track Debris

Despite some speculation about track conditions evolving, Russell dismissed this as a factor in his disappointing qualifying result. Instead, he held firmly to the view that his teammate’s accident was the core issue, as the gravel debris disrupted his rhythm and damaged his car’s performance. The incident has left the Mercedes drivers frustrated and under pressure to recover quickly.

Mercedes Drivers Face Uphill Battle in Sprint Race

Although the qualifying results were a blow, Russell remains hopeful about improving his position on race day. With determination to overcome the circumstances, he is focused on making progress during the Sprint Race despite starting well down the order. The Mercedes team is under intense scrutiny now, as both drivers must respond to the challenge and work to regain competitive standing amid a tense atmosphere.