George Russell has revisited his disqualification from the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, an event he describes as a lasting setback. The Mercedes driver stated that the race was “taken from me again” two years ago, referring to the incident at Spa-Francorchamps.
Russell had initially secured victory at the iconic circuit in July 2024, leading his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton across the finish line. However, post-race scrutiny revealed his W15 car was underweight.
The car was found to be 1.5kg below the FIA’s mandated 798kg minimum weight after fuel draining procedures. This breach of Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations led to his disqualification.
The decision promoted Hamilton to the race win, with Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc moving into second and third positions, respectively. Mercedes acknowledged the error, with Team Principal Toto Wolff stating the team had to accept the disqualification.
Russell recently reflected on the incident, indicating it remains a significant memory. He described the experience as a “wound” that will accompany him, even dismissing the idea that the circuit owes him a future victory.
Currently in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Russell holds second place in the Drivers’ Championship with 154 points. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, leads the standings with 179 points.
Russell has secured two victories this season, winning the Australian and Austrian Grands Prix. Despite these wins, he has faced reliability issues, including retirements in Canada and a challenging start in Hungary.
Despite some struggles, Russell maintains a better average finishing position than Antonelli across the first 11 races of the 2026 season. This is attributed to Antonelli’s classified finishes in races where Russell recorded DNFs.
Russell’s contract with Mercedes extends until at least the end of the 2026 season. He and Antonelli were confirmed as the team’s driver line-up for the new regulation cycle.
“I will probably remember that event even on my deathbed,” Russell stated regarding the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix disqualification.
The British driver’s current performance and reflections highlight the enduring impact of past events within the demanding environment of Formula 1 competition.
