In a significant blow for Mercedes’ 2024 Formula 1 campaign, new revelations have surfaced following the FIA’s disqualification of George Russell after his impressive performance in the Belgian Grand Prix.

The disqualification came after post-race technical checks exposed a weight infraction on Russell’s car, leading to a hefty penalty that stripped Mercedes of a podium finish, impacting the team’s position in the championship standings.

New Insights into the Disqualification

Details have now emerged regarding the FIA’s decision. Mercedes’ engineering team led by Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, noted that Russell’s car fell 1.5 kilograms short of the minimum weight requirement.

Shovlin explained that this discrepancy might be tied to unusual tire wear and overall plank degradation on Russell’s car. As a result, despite starting the race at the same weight as teammate Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s car lost weight faster during the race, ultimately leading to the disqualification.

Shovlin added that while both Russell and Hamilton began the race without issues, Russell’s high tire degradation caused unexpected plank wear, resulting in weight loss. Mercedes is currently analyzing data back at Barckley to understand how this weight discrepancy went unchecked and to prevent similar issues in future races.

Strategic Decisions Under the Microscope

Russell’s race strategy, including a one-stop approach, was another focal point in the Belgian Grand Prix. While Hamilton followed a two-stop strategy that enabled him to hold his lead, Russell chose to push his tires to the limit, which Mercedes believed could help secure a podium. Although the strategy initially paid off, the weight shortfall ultimately nullified Russell’s hard-fought victory.

Shovlin defended the strategy, highlighting the team’s quick adaptation during the race as tire degradation stabilized, encouraging them to attempt the one-stop. He praised Russell’s performance in managing tire wear throughout, calling it a “strong race” that was unfortunately undercut by unforeseen technical issues.

Mercedes’ Upgrades Face Adjustments

The team’s journey this season has also been marked by a series of upgrades. Mercedes recently introduced new parts, including an upgraded floor at Spa, aiming to improve their car’s performance. However, following a challenging start to the weekend with noticeable issues in high-speed corners, Mercedes reverted to the Silverstone setup. This decision ultimately proved beneficial, as Hamilton secured his second victory of the season, while Russell’s race ended in a disqualification post-race.

Mercedes plans to reintroduce these upgrades at the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break, pending further analysis. Shovlin expressed confidence that the new setup, when properly fine-tuned, could yield positive results, saying, “We believe we’ve identified the issues with our Spa setup and are optimistic about the reintroduction.”

Exceeding Performance Expectations for 2024

The Belgian Grand Prix marked a bittersweet chapter in what has otherwise been a remarkable comeback season for Mercedes. Under the technical leadership of James Allison, Mercedes has exceeded its early 2024 performance goals, securing three race wins before the summer break—more than initially anticipated. Hamilton’s recent victories, alongside Russell’s qualifying successes, place Mercedes as a front-runner, rivaling Red Bull’s earlier dominance.

The team’s ability to adapt and optimize performance has positioned them as serious contenders in the season’s second half. Shovlin credited the team’s resilience in overcoming the technical challenges that arose early in the season, adding, “We set a target to be competitive by the season’s end, yet we find ourselves already there, winning races and competing for pole positions.”

As Mercedes heads into the summer break, the team has a renewed focus on refining their strategy and optimizing their car’s weight management to avoid further setbacks. With momentum on their side, they remain determined to solidify their standing in the championship and continue pushing toward victory.