Mercedes Makes Software Changes Ahead Of Hungarian Grand Prix

Mercedes has introduced software changes ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix after identifying the cause of the power deployment issues that severely affected George Russell during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell struggled throughout last weekend with a noticeable straight-line speed deficit compared to team-mate Kimi Antonelli, costing him several tenths of a second per lap in qualifying.

The problem also played a major role in his first-lap retirement after contact with Lewis Hamilton, prompting the Briton to describe the situation over team radio as "unacceptable."

Mercedes Makes Software Changes Ahead Of Hungary

Following an in-depth investigation, Mercedes discovered the root cause was buried within the power unit's software.

An issue in the deployment code caused Russell's battery energy to be used too aggressively during the opening part of the lap, particularly on the run towards Les Combes.

Combined with differences in driving style and energy harvesting compared to Antonelli, Russell was left with reduced battery power on the approach to the final chicane.

Mercedes has now implemented software countermeasures for Hungary to prevent the issue from recurring.

The team is also optimistic that the Hungaroring's layout, which places fewer demands on energy deployment than Spa, should naturally reduce the impact of similar problems.

The Brackley squad also uncovered the cause of the deployment issues both drivers experienced at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix.

A software error prevented the cars from harvesting as much energy as expected into La Source, while additional battery usage to offset turbo lag further reduced available power along the Kemmel Straight.

Although both drivers were affected, they experienced different outcomes. Russell remained flat through Eau Rouge, leaving him restricted to a lower deployment mode and a top speed of around 308km/h.

Antonelli, however, briefly lifted after being overtaken by Max Verstappen, placing his power unit in a different operating mode that allowed slightly greater deployment.

Despite still suffering reduced power, Antonelli carried enough speed to slipstream back past Verstappen and reclaim the lead.