2026 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

[leblanc]

its factual and most likely wheel spin % against available traction, which effectively wastes the ES capacity.

The statement is factual, but it also does not state it's wheelspin. While technically possible, it's very unlikely as the aero load remains enormous, even in straight mode. Maybe we'll be proven wrong. Probably not.

[Matt2725]

https://streamable.com/yy85du

Looking at the video, Kimi's speed went up to 318 when he was very close on the slipstream and dropped back to around 310 when he went past.

While Russell's speed went up closer to Les Combes when there was a few cars side by side in front of him, making a big hole in the air for him to attack.

Adding to that the fact that Russell was faster on the run to Eau Rouge than Kimi without a significant tow since Max was absolutely flying, my take is that Russell and Kimi shared roughly the same deployment issue in the start of the lap. Notably, Russell and Kimi pressed what I assume is the boost button (Left thumb on the yellow button) on the exit of La Source and on the beginning of the Kemmel straight but it didn't make that big of a difference compared to Max before Eau Rouge and McLaren/Ferrari on the Kemmel Straight.

I know for a fact that George didn't press the boost button until the top of Raidillon as Marcus his engineer reminded him to press it as he crested the hill. He didn't use it out of La Source AFAIK.

[Farnborough]

its factual and most likely wheel spin % against available traction, which effectively wastes the ES capacity.

The statement is factual, but it also does not state it's wheelspin. While technically possible, it's very unlikely as the aero load remains enormous, even in straight mode. Maybe we'll be proven wrong. Probably not.

Yes, i take your point. I do think though that's it's more plausible than cursory view would permit.

With traction commonly at 5 % slip being quite normal for maximum acceleration, this "error" showing something in the order of 1.3%, I don't feel its in the relms of absolutely not in this case.

IF the difference is true (no ratio difference in play) then that would entail quite significant ES spend at beginning of straight in contrast to availability at the end.

Somewhere on here (I recall) was a quote of AK throttle at corner exit being typically lower than GR for the same.

The quoted comment of SR I've noted above, indicates their approach in discussion of technique with GR as possibility in this area I feel.

[Waz]

So with a tow George is 2kmh slower than Kimi who has no tow?

The relevant bit is the speed into Eau Rouge.

[Waz]

The last race being Brazil, oh how I missed this

Vegas is after Brazil.

Hopes and dreams killed

Liberty would cream themselves if Vegas is the season finale