Matt2725 wrote: ↑06 Jul 2026, 14:48
A few megaminds on other forums tried to hand wave it away as being different deployment strategies. Because of course, Russell wanted his deployment setup to ensure he had no performance in the two main overtaking points.
Wolff was a bit shameless claiming it was "fine" post-race, but even he must know that isn't the case. Felt a bit like he was taking his upset over Kimi out on the other driver.
I'm making no assertion, but the cold hard evidence is glaring unfortunately.
The trace shows it's a linear difference on every straight. Absolutley no way you drive around that or excuse it as "deployment strategies".
The other thing that really stands out is Russell mentioned this in Free Practice. The team had time to fix it or ascertain what the problem is. This carried on into Sprint Q, Sprint and Q and then of course into the race.
How can there be a persistent battery issue through the weekend that doesn't get fixed?
The team needs to come out and explain firstly why there was battery problem and then why it couldn't be fixed for the duration of the weekend.