Russell and Mercedes delaying engine penalty until power unit upgrade
George Russell says he will take a Formula 1 engine penalty when Mercedes introduces its upgraded power unit. The move means his expected grid drop is being delayed, with reports indicating it could be pushed back as far as the United States Grand Prix.
George Russell has said he will take an engine penalty when Mercedes brings in its upgraded Formula 1 power unit. Multiple reports said Mercedes and Russell are delaying that expected penalty rather than taking it immediately.
Both Mercedes drivers have exceeded or are expected to exceed their power unit allowance for the 2026 season. Kimi Antonelli already did so at Monza last weekend, where he took a back-of-the-grid penalty and then won from 19th on the grid.
The timing of Russell's own penalty has not been fixed in the supplied reports, but The Race said the delay could last until the United States Grand Prix.
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