Fresh concern for George Russell as 'intervention' called for F1 team - International Media Reacts

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix saw another weekend of mixed emotions at Mercedes as the team sealed victory with Kimi Antonelli.

However, on the other side of the garage, George Russell was forced to settle for yet another non-score as he crashed out on the opening lap following a clash with Lewis Hamilton, but his biggest frustrations focused on the mysterious power unit issue he endured.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen picked up podium results, while McLaren couldn't quite get itself involved in the fight at the front.

Below, you can read how media from around the world reacted to the 10th round of the F1 season, the Belgian Grand Prix.

🇬🇧 The Telegraph - Concerns that Russell could now overdrive the car

George Russell's race ended just a handful of corners into the race as he clashed with former team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

However, his primary frustration was centred around the power unit limitations that he endured throughout the weekend, which once again sprouted its head on the opening lap.

With the gap to Kimi Antonelli now growing to 45 points despite the Italian having issues of his own this season, The Telegraph has theorised that Russell could be in danger of overdriving the car as he looks to recover the gap.

“Ultimately, Russell has a problem that means he cannot drive the car instinctively over one lap and find lap time where he would expect to by simply pushing harder,” wrote Gary Anderson. 

“The worry now is that these concerns and issues – whatever the cause – compound and he tries to find unusual solutions or ends up driving in an unnatural way or simply pushes too hard.”

🇫🇷 L'Équipe - Hadjar restoring French pride in F1

Isack Hadjar enjoyed another strong performance at Red Bull - one that was described by team boss Laurent Mekies as his best race yet with the team.

The 21-year-old started Sunday's Beglain Grand Prix from the back of the grid after taking on new power unit components.

However, he successfully progressed forward and crossed the line in P6 - marking his sixth consecutive finish inside the top six positions.

As raised by L'Équipe, it is the first time that a French driver has achieved such a feat since Alain Prost in 1993.

🇮🇹 La Gazzetta dello Sport - Wake-up call needed for Russell as Antonelli speeds towards F1 title

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted that Antonelli is now the clear favourite for the title, pointing to various bookmakers following the Spa race.

The 19-year-old is gunning towards becoming Italy's first champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

It is clear that momentum is on the side of the second-year driver, as the publication highlighted that Russell needs a wake-up call if he wishes to get his title charge back up and running after another non-score.

With a 45-point gap existing at the halfway point of the campaign and Antonelli showing no signs of slowing down, it could be a tall task ahead of him.

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf - A Battle of the Batteries at Spa

A number of drivers have expressed their disappointment with the new F1 power units at various points this year and Spa-Francorchamps was no different.

While at this point, many of the drivers don't wish to repeat themselves, their annoyance was clear throughout the weekend.

In the cooldown room after the race, De Telegraaf pointed out that Max Verstappen was heard telling Belgian King Philippe that the Spa track was his favourite on the calendar.

But as the publication coined it, the race was a 'Battle of the Batteries' as the overtakes relied heavily on the electrical energy available.

🇦🇺 New Zealand Herald - Racing Bulls must intervene before cardinal sin is committed

At the Belgian Grand Prix, it was almost a disastrous event for Racing Bulls as its two drivers came very close to contact on the opening lap.

Both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have been closely matched throughout the campaign thus far as they both seek to impress the senior Red Bull team.

As Racing Bulls enjoys its strong position towards the head of the midfield New Zealand Herald has suggested the team must take increased measures to ensure diaster doesn't strike in the coming races.

“Regardless of who drives for the team, its pairing are always doing their best to push for promotion to the senior setup,” it wrote.

“But with three flashpoints in the past three races, there needs to be some sort of intervention before one of Lawson or Lindblad commits the cardinal sin of motorsport – taking out your teammate.”