George Russell, penalized in the Singapore Grand Prix due to an engine change

George Russell will start from the back of the grid at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix after Mercedes fits him with a new power unit. The Briton will thus exceed the number of engines allocated for the season, and the change will incur a penalty from the FIA.

The decision comes after the engine failure Russell suffered at the Sepang Grand Prix, a race the Mercedes driver was unable to finish. Initially, the team intended to introduce the new power unit at the United States Grand Prix, but the technical problem brought the change forward, with it to be carried out starting Friday.

According to Sky Sports, the new engine is also expected to include a technical upgrade, with Mercedes taking advantage of the additional development opportunities offered through the FIA’s ADUO system. However, the penalty will force Russell to start Sunday’s race from the back of the field.

The situation complicates his title fight. His teammate Kimi Antonelli finished second at Sepang and has an 84-point lead over Russell, with seven rounds remaining until the end of the Formula 1 season.

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