George Russell reported for Brazil grid penalty

George Russell is reported to face a five-place grid penalty in Brazil after Mercedes opted for a sixth internal combustion engine.

George Russell is reported to be facing a grid penalty for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Formula1.com reported that the Mercedes driver will serve an engine-related sanction, but the supplied information does not confirm the decision as official.

Autosport and Motorsport.com both reported that Russell is set to lose five places on the Brazilian Grand Prix grid after Mercedes chose to fit a sixth internal combustion engine of the season. Russell arrived at this stage of the 2026 season fourth in the drivers' championship on 250 points.

If applied, the reported penalty would hit a driver with 161 Formula 1 starts and seven wins to his name. It would also add to the challenge for Mercedes, the constructor with 138 wins and eight titles.