Mercedes deals a significant blow: strong engine gets even better after updates

Under the ADUO framework, Mercedes is permitted to implement performance updates to the engines. This website understands the team indeed intends to do so, especially now that Ferrari has taken a step forward with its power units. In that case, the Mercedes drivers and all customer teams will have access to the new components.

It is still unclear which components Mercedes HPP will replace. In any case, it involves a new turbocharger. If it remains limited to that component, championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli will not have to serve a new grid penalty.

Although the Italian will start his home race at the back of the grid this weekend because he has replaced several engine components (thus exceeding the permitted limit, ed.), he has not received a new turbocharger. That keeps the youngster at three, so with a new one he would still remain within the limit of four.

For George Russell, however, a new turbocharger would mean a grid penalty. It is certain that the Briton will have to start from the back of the field soon. After all, Mercedes plans to completely replace his power unit at some point. That would be the fifth engine, which automatically incurs a grid penalty.

It is still unclear when Russell will receive the new power unit. Much will depend on when Mercedes has the improved engine ready. Although rumors suggest Mercedes has planned an engine change for Russell in Baku, GPblog understands this is not the case.

For the customer teams, it is a waiting game to see when Mercedes introduces the new components. It cannot be ruled out that drivers from those teams will have to take grid penalties when putting these parts into service.

Incidentally, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and all drivers from Mercedes customer teams have currently used three turbochargers. They are therefore under the limit. Only George Russell would thus be due for a fifth turbocharger.