Russell set to take F1 engine penalty after Mercedes introduces power unit upgrade

George Russell says he will take an engine penalty when Mercedes introduces its upgraded Formula 1 power unit.

Both Mercedes drivers have exceeded or are expected to exceed their power unit allowance for the 2026 season. Kimi Antonelli did so last weekend in Monza, where he took a back-of-the-grid penalty and scythed his way through the field to take a historic victory from 19th.

Russell, however, is waiting for Mercedes to launch its engine updates in order to get a brand-new powertrain. This is expected to occur in late October, at the Austin or Mexico City round.

“We’re waiting to take my penalty with the ADUO upgrade,” the Briton said. “Otherwise, if I took it [in Monza], I’d have to take it again. So it made zero sense for me.”

Despite being universally recognised as having the best power unit, Mercedes has been allowed to upgrade it by the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, which is based on the internal combustion engine’s performance. Red Bull Ford has been ranked as the top engine and therefore can’t upgrade its powertrain.

Antonelli too will take a penalty when Mercedes introduces its new power unit, but given he has already exceeded his allocation, this will trigger only a five-place penalty per new component instead of 10 spots.

“So we’re changing everything now to avoid problems later on,” the Italian explained in Monza. “And, as I said before, this is the best track to do it.”

Interestingly, the likes of Ferrari have already introduced two upgrades this season – Mercedes is allowed just one – and Russell therefore expects the pecking order to evolve in a “very interesting” way when the Silver Arrow is finally updated.

“I don’t think, as a team, we’re under threat. And, I think it’ll be very interesting when we bring our upgrades,” he said.

Additional reporting by Filip Cleeren and Roberto Chinchero

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