George Russell Warns Mercedes Start Problem Is Not Fully Solved Yet

George Russell has admitted that Mercedes has not fully solved one of its biggest weaknesses of the 2026 Formula 1 season despite securing a front-row lockout for the Canadian Grand Prix Sprint. Russell claimed Sprint pole position at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, edging championship leader and team-mate Kimi Antonelli by just 0.068 seconds.

The result further reinforced Mercedes' position as the benchmark team in Montreal, with the latest upgrade package on the W17 delivering a clear performance gain. However, behind the team's qualifying dominance remains an issue that has repeatedly compromised race results throughout the season: poor starts off the line.

On several occasions this year, both Mercedes drivers have lost positions during the opening metres of a race despite starting near the front. Rivals from Ferrari and McLaren have frequently launched more effectively, limiting Mercedes' ability to convert strong qualifying performances into race control during the crucial opening laps.

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Looking ahead to the Sprint, Russell acknowledged that improvements have been made, but stressed that the progress remains limited. Speaking in comments reported by RacingNews365, the British driver described Mercedes' development in this area as little more than "baby steps".

"We're making progress, we're making baby steps in this regard."

"I'm not going to stand here and say we're going to fly off the line in P1 and P2. I hope that's going to be the case, but history tells us it's not happened very often, or at all, this year."

The comments suggest Mercedes continues to face challenges in optimising clutch engagement, rear-tyre traction and power delivery during launch phases. At a circuit like Montreal, where overtaking opportunities are plentiful and track position remains critical, losing places at the start can dramatically alter a race outcome.

For Russell, the Canadian Grand Prix weekend carries additional significance in the championship battle. After Antonelli claimed victories in the previous three grands prix and established a 20-point lead at the top of the standings, Russell arrived in Montreal needing a strong response. Sprint pole represents an encouraging start following a difficult outing in Miami.

"It obviously feels great after a tough Miami, but I knew what I could do. Miami is obviously a bit unique."

"This is an amazing circuit here, high grip. It feels like you're driving a proper Formula 1 car around here, which is how it should be, and I'm glad today came together."

Russell also praised Mercedes' latest upgrade package, believing it has delivered a meaningful step forward in overall performance. The improvement was evident during Sprint Qualifying, where both Mercedes drivers finished comfortably ahead of McLaren and Ferrari, establishing a gap of more than three tenths of a second to their nearest challengers.

"The team has done a great job to bring it forward. We obviously saw in Miami that McLaren was really close and Ferrari not too far behind. On a track like this, it's really excelling."

Despite returning to the front of the grid, Russell insisted Mercedes remains focused on addressing the weaknesses that have prevented it from fully capitalising on its pace advantage. Saturday's Sprint will provide the first real test of whether the team's progress is sufficient. Should the launch issues persist, McLaren and Ferrari could once again exploit the opening lap and deny Mercedes the opportunity to convert qualifying dominance into victory in Montreal.