Russell to take F1 2026 engine penalty later as Mercedes waits for ADUO upgrade
Summary
George Russell will take an FIA grid penalty later in F1 2026, but not at Baku. Mercedes is waiting for its ADUO-upgraded engine, and Russell trails Kimi Antonelli by 91 points.
George Russell will take an FIA grid penalty for a new power unit in F1 2026, but not at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mercedes is waiting for its ADUO-upgraded engine before triggering the drop.
Why it matters:
Russell trails Kimi Antonelli by 91 points, and a grid penalty could hurt his title hopes. With both Mercedes drivers facing reliability issues, managing these penalties is key.
The details:
- Russell confirmed: "It won't be this weekend. I will take a penalty slightly further down the line."
- He called the deficit "swings and roundabouts" since all drivers introduce new engines at different points.
- Mercedes qualified for the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) upgrade on its internal combustion engine, with Red Bull as the benchmark.
- Russell explained a penalty now would force another one later, as he changed his turbo alongside his power unit in Budapest.
- Antonelli took an engine penalty at Monza and won from the tenth row with a fresh engine.
What's next:
Russell heads to Baku 91 points behind Antonelli. Once the upgraded ICE is available, Mercedes is expected to introduce it at a circuit where overtaking is easier, limiting the damage. Until then, Russell's current power unit is, in his words, "coming to the end of its life."
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-mercedes-engine-fia-penalty