Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff has revealed {that a} software program “bug” within the electrical system of George Russell’s W17 was responsible for the Briton shedding a place to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc through the Japanese Grand Prix.
Whereas the Brackley outfit celebrated one other victory on the Suzuka circuit with Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s race was blended. Along with shedding out by pitting one lap earlier than the security automobile was deployed, Russell was compromised by his automobile’s software program, which left him defenceless in opposition to Leclerc.
Talking with Sky Sports activities F1 after the race, Wolff shared perception into the sudden lack of tempo for the British driver.
“It was a bug within the electrical system, within the software program, that we thought we have been going to present him a bonus by deploying power,” Wolff defined.
“And what it gave him is a brilliant clip which means it slows the automobile down. And that is the place he unexpectedly misplaced the place to Leclerc. So we’ve not coated ourselves in glory in the case of George’s race as nicely.”
George Russell, Mercedes
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
After ranging from second on the grid, Russell completed fourth behind race-winner Antonelli, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. In consequence, Russell misplaced his lead within the drivers’ championship standings to his team-mate.
When requested concerning the tempo distinction between his two drivers, Wolff added: “I see it a bit blended. The error that was made collectively actually put George on the again foot with the automobile.
“From Q1, it was not adequate anymore and he needed to struggle with that too at the moment. With equal automobiles, it is going to be shut however the second the place it was about going quick, we needed to resolve to guard the place in opposition to Leclerc however Kimi was placing in excellent instances, in order that made the distinction. However he [Russell] didn’t have a automobile that was excellent.”
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