George Russell says he is going into Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix 'handcuffed' by a failed set-up change that left him struggling throughout qualifying. The Mercedes driver will start second on the grid at Suzuka, nearly three tenths behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli after a small rear adjustment went badly wrong. Russell described the car as feeling like something was broken, forcing him to dramatically alter his driving style.

Russell told Sky Sports F1 that the change was meant to be 'transparent' but instead made the car nearly undriveable. He had to remove significant front wing and struggled with oversteer throughout the session, nearly spinning at the final corner. The issue highlights the challenges teams face adapting to the 2026 cars in only their third race weekend.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the set-up problem will likely continue into the race, putting Russell at a disadvantage. Despite the setback, Antonelli expects his team-mate to be his biggest challenger for victory, acknowledging Russell's speed even with the compromised car. The Italian driver emphasized the importance of a good start at Suzuka, where overtaking remains difficult despite the new cars' improved following capabilities.