Russell’s true Dutch GP performance loss amid hidden consequence of Leclerc clash

George Russell suffered a “substantial” performance loss – to the tune of three quarters of a second per lap – after colliding with the Ferrari driven by Charles Leclerc at the Dutch Grand Prix.

However, Mercedes has since revealed that this was not the only consequence which Russell faced. In addition, the damage sustained “changed the handling characteristics” of Russell’s Mercedes W16, meaning he was responding on the fly in-race to its behaviour.

Two-part struggles for George Russell at Dutch GP

Leclerc re-took fifth on the track from Russell on lap 33, a move that played out throughs turns 10-12 and which left both drivers unhappy. The pair made contact, with Russell complaining that Leclerc had overtaken him off the track at T12. Leclerc said Russell did not leave him the approp