Mercedes admits engine power loss hit all cars at Belgian Grand Prix

Mercedes revealed that a new power‑unit fault caused a loss of straight‑line energy for every car using its engine at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa‑Francorchamps. Team principal Toto Wolff said the problem affected the deployment of electrical power out of Turn 1, hitting George Russell hardest and contributing to his early‑lap collision with Lewis Hamilton and subsequent DNF. Kimi Antonelli and other Mercedes‑powered drivers also suffered reduced speed, losing positions on the Kemmel Straight. Wolff identified the issue as a software‑related energy‑management glitch and confirmed that the team is investigating it ahead of the next race. He also asserted that Mercedes still fields the most powerful unit on the grid, a claim backed by Red Bull’s technical director Laurent Mekies. In the same weekend, Mercedes announced it will not prioritize any driver for the championship, keeping its focus on the Constructors' title.