Russell takes a 5-place grid penalty in Brazil for a new engine

A new engine will cost Russell a 5-place grid penalty in Brazil. The Mercedes driver will be set to start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix five spots down from his qualifying position after the team put in a fresh internal combustion unit, his sixth for the year. In an Instagram story video Russell made it clear that a penalty was only a matter of time.

The debacle in Malaysia left them with no option. Since then Mercedes have been making do with their power unit elements and Interlagos was picked as the place to take the hit; with the long way to Turn 1 and the overtaking on offer at this circuit, a recovery is more feasible than at most other tracks.

Russell’s title hopes were put to rest in Mexico by team mate Kimi Antonelli. As for Saturday, the forecast calls for rain which could well upset the grid before the penalty comes into play.