Russell engine penalty reported after Mercedes update

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported George Russell is expected to take an engine penalty when Mercedes introduces an upgraded power unit in 2026.

George Russell is expected to take an engine penalty when Mercedes introduces an upgraded Formula 1 power unit later in the 2026 season, according to reports from Autosport and Motorsport.com. Both outlets said Mercedes’ two drivers have either already exceeded or are expected to exceed their power unit allocation for the year.

Those reports added that Kimi Antonelli took a back-of-the-grid penalty at Monza last weekend after going over his allowance. Russell, who is second in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 201 points, has not yet done so, with the reported plan linking his penalty to the arrival of the updated package.

The British driver has made 161 Formula 1 starts and taken seven wins. Mercedes has competed across 19 seasons and recorded 138 wins and eight titles.