Mercedes have identified and resolved a software fault that caused repeated electrical energy deployment failures on George Russell's car, the team said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. The issue, described by Russell as deeply embedded in calibration and code, has affected his car for three races since Austria and cost him heavily at Spa, where a lack of electrical power exiting turn one led to a first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton and his retirement.
Teammate Kimi Antonelli experienced the same shortage in the race but reset his system by lifting through Eau Rouge and went on to win — his sixth victory in 10 races this season. Antonelli now leads Russell by 50 points in the championship. Russell, who called the title fight the most psychologically demanding of his career, said his strong reaction after Spa helped ensure the team addressed the problem.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri suffered a similar energy issue in qualifying. Formula 1 is also considering a Malaysian Grand Prix return on 4 October, with Portimão a candidate should late-season races be cancelled.