Hidde Korte is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 news. With a background in journalism and a strong passion for the sport, he delivers timely and reliable coverage of the pinnacle of motorsport.
George Russell says he will receive a grid penalty for an engine change ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix in a surprising development, as Mercedes will change the engine again later in the year and incur another grid penalty.
The engine change comes at a notable time for Mercedes, as the team is allowed to further develop its power unit because, in the first ADUO assessment, the FIA found it to be two to four per cent behind the best internal combustion engine, Red Bull Ford Powertrains'.
This earned the manufacturer one additional homologation opportunity for 2026, as well as an extra update for 2027.
Mercedes is currently working on that engine update. The new update was initially expected to be introduced in Austin, but Russell and Kimi Antonelli were still running the current specification there.
The new parts were not used in Mexico either. Brazil and Las Vegas were then seen as possible opportunities. On Thursday, GPblog confirmed that the new parts will not be used at Interlagos either.
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It is important for Mercedes to use its 2026 homologation opportunity this season. If the manufacturer does not do so, it will expire. Mercedes is therefore expected to replace Russell's engine again this season, this time with the updates.
If that happens, the Briton will receive another grid penalty. Alternatively, Mercedes could give the upgraded power unit only to Andrea Kimi Antonelli. That would still mean it had been introduced.
Russell had already expected an engine change
Whatever happens over the coming weeks, Russell points out that the grid penalty had been expected for some time. "We've always said there would be another penalty between Singapore and the end of the season. Of course, we had one in Singapore, but there was going to be another one in the final part of the year," he said.
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According to Russell, Brazil is a logical choice. Lewis Hamilton also had to start from the back after receiving a grid penalty in 2021, but eventually fought his way forward. He said: "We think this is a good place to do it. Of course, Lewis had a huge grid penalty here in the past, and things worked out pretty well afterwards."
Russell will take a five-place penalty, so he still has everything to fight for in the race. He added: "Five places isn't too bad, of course, so we'll do everything we can to try to get as far up the order as possible."
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