Russell to drop five places in Brazil after engine change

George Russell will start the Brazilian Grand Prix five places lower on the grid after Mercedes introduced a sixth internal combustion engine into his power unit allocation. The change follows two earlier power unit problems this season, which had already left the Briton needing an additional unit before the championship ends. Mercedes chose to take the penalty at Interlagos, which Russell said was a good place to absorb it, pointing to Lewis Hamilton's recovery from a major grid penalty there in 2021.

The setback adds to a difficult year for Russell, who arrives in Brazil fourth in the championship behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while teammate Kimi Antonelli has secured the world title. Speaking on Thursday, Russell said he felt exhausted by repeatedly having to recover from setbacks, saying he had hoped to do so perhaps twice in the season rather than every other weekend.

Russell has argued that the 2026 power unit regulations have not suited his driving style. Next season brings technical changes, including a reduced share of electric power and revised tyres, which he sees as an opportunity to reset.