Russell handed five-place grid penalty for Brazilian Grand Prix

Autosport described George Russell as “exhausted” ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver will receive a five-place grid penalty on Sunday after using a sixth internal combustion engine this season.

The engine change had been expected after two power-unit-related problems earlier in the season, including a failure at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia. Russell had already exceeded his initial allowance of four units in Singapore, so the additional engine brings a five-place drop. He had used a fifth engine and other power-unit components there, which sent him to the back of the field for that event.

Mercedes chose Interlagos for the change. The team took into account Lewis Hamilton’s recovery from 20th to fifth in the sprint at the circuit with Mercedes in 2021. Interlagos is also a track where overtaking is favourable, making it a venue considered suitable for taking a grid penalty.

Russell will therefore start Sunday’s race no higher than sixth. Mercedes confirmed that the change does not involve an element related to Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities. The team has yet to introduce the one upgrade of that kind allowed this season.

The stakes extend beyond Russell’s starting position: Mercedes can clinch the Constructors’ Championship if it scores at least three points more than Ferrari. After 19 of the 23 rounds, Mercedes leads that championship with 630 points to Ferrari’s 504. Russell is fourth in the drivers’ standings with 250 points and three wins, 130 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has 380. Four rounds remain this season.