Fresh concern for Russell as media reacts to Spa struggles and Antonelli's title surge

George Russell's Belgian Grand Prix ended in a first-lap crash and power unit frustration, while teammate Kimi Antonelli stretched his title lead to 45 points with victory at Spa. International media focused on Russell's fading hopes, Antonelli's surge, and brewing tensions across the grid.

Why it matters:

At the season's halfway point, Mercedes' internal title fight has swung toward Antonelli. The Italian is now the bookmakers' favorite to become Italy's first champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, while Russell's mysterious power unit issues threaten to push him into a destructive cycle of overdriving.

The details:

• Russell under pressure: The Telegraph warned that unresolved power unit limits could cause Russell to "overdrive" the car unnaturally, compounding a weekend that ended in a lap-one clash with Lewis Hamilton.
• Antonelli's charge: La Gazzetta dello Sport noted Antonelli is now the clear title favorite, with momentum behind the second-year driver as he chases history.
• Hadjar's streak: L'Équipe celebrated Isack Hadjar's P6 from the back, marking six straight top-six finishes—a feat no French driver has managed since Alain Prost in 1993.
• Battery battles: De Telegraaf described the race as a "Battle of the Batteries," with drivers frustrated by the 2026 power units' heavy reliance on electrical energy for overtaking.
• Racing Bulls clash: The New Zealand Herald urged team intervention after Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad nearly collided on lap one, their third flashpoint in three races.

What's next:

The summer break offers Russell a chance to reset, but Mercedes must solve his power unit gremlins before the season resumes. Racing Bulls also needs to rein in its rookies before a costly intra-team collision strikes. Unless McLaren can join the front fight, the second half risks becoming an Antonelli procession.