Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed George Russell following a painful first-lap exit at the Belgian Grand Prix, as team-mate Kimi Antonelli took victory.

His Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli stormed to pole position in Belgium.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, July 19 : George Russell said he was "numb to the disappointment" after crashing out of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix on the opening lap in a major blow…

The Mercedes driver, starting in third, did make it through the first lap at Spa-Francorchamps

Met Kimi Antonelli die van pole naar de zege reed op Spa-Francorchamps lijkt er geen vuiltje aan de lucht voor Mercedes. Toch gaat er ook veel mis bij het leidende team in beide…

Toto Wolff has admitted Mercedes let George Russell down after he crashed out of the Belgian Grand Prix following a collision with Lewis Hamilton

Russell trails his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 50 points.

Russell spun out of the Belgian GP on lap one and now trails Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the title race

Russell needs to reset, while Mercedes needs to address the car's systems and reliability if he is to challenge teammate Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed George Russell following a painful first-lap exit at the Belgian Grand Prix, as team-mate Kimi Antonelli took victory.