FIA confirms worst-kept secret as Russell suffers major blow in Singapore

According to the technical delegate's report, the Briton has taken his fifth internal combustion engine (ICE), fifth turbocharger (TC) and fifth exhaust system (EXH), exceeding the maximum allocation of four permitted for each component throughout the 2026 season. The changes come after Russell's disappointing retirement from the Bahrain Grand Prix, where a power unit issue brought his race to a premature end.

The Mercedes driver has also received a fourth MGU-K, fourth energy store (ES) and fourth control electronics unit (PU-CE), with the regulations allowing only three of each throughout the championship.

All six replacements therefore exceed the permitted allocations under Article B8.2.2 of the 2026 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, leaving Russell facing a grid penalty at Marina Bay.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris has also received a new power unit component ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, although the McLaren driver will escape any grid penalty. The Briton has been fitted with a new power unit ancillary component (PU-ANC), a change that remains within the six permitted for the season.

Franco Colapinto has received the same component, with the FIA confirming that both replacements comply with the sporting regulations. Unlike Russell, neither driver faces a penalty as a result of these changes.

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