Mercedes has confirmed why George Russell stopped on track at the end of qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Russell ended the session in seventh place before he came to a halt at Turn 1, bringing out yellow flags in the closing stages. The W17 was recovered by marshals as the chequered flag fell on a disappointing afternoon for the Silver Arrows.
Mercedes has not appeared on top form all weekend at the Hungaroring, with team-mate Kimi Antonelli also unable to get into the fight.
The team has suffered power unit issues on occasion this year, and Saturday's problem was confirmed to be a water leak.
"George was unlucky with what looked like a water leak, so it was an underwhelming session," team boss Toto Wolff told Sky F1.
Wolff played down concerns that it was fuel-related, stating: "No, no, no. It's a water leak that appeared when he was riding over a kerb."
Russell later confirmed the problem himself, offering a clearer picture of what he experienced from the cockpit.
"We lost water pressure and had a water leak, so when I was stopped on track, the car was leaking all over the place," Russell said.
"We don't know where it's coming from. Fingers crossed, it doesn't affect anything for tomorrow."
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