Mercedes driver George Russell faces major penalty in Singapore
Photo: Russell failed to finish the latest Grand Prix (georgerussell63, Instagram)
Mercedes driver George Russell will start the Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after exceeding the allowed power unit limit. The Briton will have to use his fifth engine of the season, according to Sky Sports.
Why Russell will be penalized
The problem arose after the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Russell’s power unit failed. As a result, the Mercedes team is forced to install a new engine in his car.
Under Formula 1 rules, a driver can use no more than four power units during the season without incurring a penalty. Russell has already reached the limit, so installing a fifth engine will automatically result in a grid penalty.
As a result, Russell will start the Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid.
Mercedes wants to avoid further penalties
The new power unit for Russell was initially expected to be ready closer to the United States Grand Prix. However, Mercedes plans to speed up its development so that Russell can get the engine in time for the Singapore round. This will allow the team to avoid additional power unit problems at the upcoming Grand Prix.
Russell’s situation is not the first such problem Mercedes has faced this season. Earlier, the team’s driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli was also penalized for exceeding the power unit limit. As a result, the Italian lost his starting position at the Italian Grand Prix.
When is the Singapore Grand Prix?
The Singapore Grand Prix will take place on October 11, 2026.
The previous round of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, was won by Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
