Russell to take grid penalty at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

George Russell is set to take a grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix because of an engine change, his second such penalty in the last four rounds. He had already served a significant penalty at the Singapore Grand Prix after a range of unavoidable power unit component changes.

Russell explained that a grid penalty had to be taken at some point between Singapore and the end of the season, and that Interlagos was considered a good place to take it. He pointed to Lewis Hamilton, who recovered well from a large grid penalty at the same circuit several years ago. With the change reportedly being for a new internal combustion engine, a five-place grid drop is expected.

The penalty follows a difficult weekend in Mexico for Russell, and Team Principal Toto Wolff has said the Briton was distraught at the outcome.