Mercedes has launched a detailed investigation into George Russell’s W16 car after a disappointing performance at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, where the British driver faced severe handling difficulties. This probe comes as the team prepares for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix and seeks to understand the causes behind the recent car issues.
Struggles at Imola Mar Russell’s Early Season Momentum
After a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, Russell encountered major problems at Imola, dropping from a promising second-row grid position to finish seventh. During the race, persistent instability at the rear of his car severely impacted his ability to control the vehicle. The handling troubles overshadowed what had been a competitive run prior to the race weekend.
Mercedes’ Technical Team Responds to Rear-End Stability Concerns
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, detailed the team’s commitment to investigating the unusual issues in Russell’s car.
“All we can do on the grid is get the bodywork off, have a quick look, check there’s nothing obvious… We’ll check that everything’s done up as it should be and make sure if there is any issue, we can solve it ahead of Monaco itself,”
Shovlin explained, underscoring the importance of resolving the problem before the next race.
George Russell Voices Frustration Over Vehicle Performance
Russell described his experience at Imola as “totally miserable” and rated the race a ‘1/10’ due to the car’s erratic behavior. He elaborated on the difficulties with the rear suspension, saying,
“It felt like the rear of the car was moving independently; you steer the front tyres, and it felt like something was broken at the back because the rear was swaying… It felt like a forklift truck – not what you need at a track like this.”
This persistent issue clearly hampered his ability to compete effectively.
Anticipating the Outcome of the Investigation Ahead of Monaco
Mercedes plans to carry out an exhaustive inspection of Russell’s car components during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, aiming to uncover the root cause of the handling problems. The team and driver alike hope this technical review will enable a swift solution, allowing Russell to return to his competitive form. With much anticipation around the findings, the investigation’s results could prove critical for Mercedes’ performance in the coming races.
