Mercedes Clarifies Russell’s Disqualification from Belgium GP

Mercedes has explained the reasons behind George Russell’s disqualification from the Belgian Grand Prix, citing unexpected weight loss in several areas of his car. Russell initially claimed victory but was later disqualified after his car was found to be 1.5kg underweight, elevating his teammate Lewis Hamilton to first place.

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, explained that the car’s tyres, the underfloor “plank,” and Russell himself all contributed to the car’s weight deficit. Shovlin stated, “The car can lose quite a lot of weight during the race. You get tyre wear, plank wear, brake wear, oil consumption.”

He further elaborated, “The driver themselves can lose a lot, and in this particular race, George lost quite a bit of weight. George’s car was the only one that had the problem, and it is because things like the tyre wear were much higher. It looks like we lost more material on the plank.”

Mercedes intends to analyze the data thoroughly to refine their processes and prevent similar occurrences in the future. In Formula 1, drivers can lose up to 3kg during a race due to fluid loss from sweating. In Belgium, Russell lost more weight than anticipated.

The underbody “plank” is a component designed to prevent cars from running too low, and its wear is monitored by officials to ensure compliance with regulations. While Russell’s plank still met the rules, it had eroded more than expected.

Russell’s strategy during the race involved an unexpected decision to maintain the same tyres fitted on lap 10, which propelled him from fifth to the lead. He successfully defended his position against Hamilton’s advances in the final laps, securing an on-track victory that was later nullified due to the weight discrepancy.