George Russell Identifies Recurring Issues Behind Mercedes’ Underperformance at Imola
George Russell has shed light on persistent challenges that contributed to Mercedes’ lackluster performance at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The British driver, who finished seventh, attributed the team’s struggles to recurring problems with tyre overheating and aerodynamic balance, issues that have plagued the team throughout the season.
Russell highlighted that the W16 car’s performance deteriorates in warmer conditions, leading to excessive tyre degradation. He noted that while the car performs adequately in cooler environments, it becomes “dead slow” when temperatures rise, a pattern that has become increasingly evident. This thermal sensitivity has been a significant factor in the team’s inconsistent race results.
A specific incident during the race further compounded Russell’s challenges. An issue with the front wing adjuster during a pit stop resulted in an unbalanced car setup, effectively giving Russell a configuration more suitable for wet conditions. This misalignment led to significant understeer, forcing him to manage deteriorating tyres and compromising his overall pace.
Mercedes’ technical team explained that the problem arose from a malfunction in the electronic gun used to adjust the front wing. The device, designed to make precise adjustments quickly, was inadvertently reset during the pit stop, preventing the necessary changes. This oversight underscores the challenges teams face in executing flawless pit strategies under pressure.
In addition to mechanical issues, strategic decisions also impacted Russell’s race. A second pit stop was necessitated by concerns over tyre wear, a move aimed at preventing potential failures and securing the fastest lap point. While this strategy yielded an additional point, it also resulted in Russell finishing behind his teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
Reflecting on the team’s current position, Russell acknowledged that Mercedes may have overcompensated in addressing previous car issues, leading to new challenges. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to car development, aiming to rectify the front-end grip problems without reintroducing past rear-end instability. As the season progresses, Mercedes faces the task of fine-tuning their car to achieve consistent performance across varying conditions.