Mercedes confirms Russell power unit penalty but race undecided
Mercedes has confirmed George Russell must take a power-unit grid penalty this season after exceeding component limits due to reliability issues. The team has not yet decided the race. Teammate Kimi Antonelli takes his penalty at Monza.
Mercedes confirms penalty requirement
Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell will incur a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation this season.[1][2] The team attributes the need to reliability issues faced by both drivers. Russell's teammate Kimi Antonelli will serve his penalty at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.[2]
Timing remains open
The Brackley squad has not yet selected the race for Russell's penalty. Team principal Toto Wolff stated that discussions continue on the optimal venue.[1] Both drivers have encountered technical problems earlier in 2026, pushing them beyond the permitted limits.[3][4]
Track implications at Monza
Related reading
- [1]Wolff explains decision behind Monza engine penalty for Antonelli (formula1). Accessed 2026-08-28.
- [2]Kimi Antonelli to take grid penalty at Italian GP in Monza for engine change (skysports). Accessed 2026-08-28.
- [3]Mercedes reveals Kimi Antonelli engine penalty plan as George Russell also faces grid drop (planetf1). Accessed 2026-08-28.
- [4]Mercedes confirms Kimi Antonelli grid penalty in Monza (motorsport). Accessed 2026-08-28.