Russell admits grid penalty looms in coming F1 races

Mercedes driver George Russell has revealed that he expects to take a grid penalty in the near future due to planned engine component changes, which would mean starting from the back of the field at one of the upcoming races.

Russell's championship position is already difficult — following disappointing results at both Monza and Madrid, he now trails teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the standings. The looming technical penalty makes his title chances even slimmer.

Possible venues for the penalty

The Baku street circuit and the Austin track in the United States are mentioned as the most suitable places to take the penalty, since overtaking is easier there than on most other circuits, which would limit the damage of starting from the rear.

Russell himself said he hopes the penalty comes at a point when the team's car has been upgraded, as that would make it easier to fight back through the field after starting from the back.

Antonelli already served a similar penalty

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli already took a similar penalty for an engine component change at Monza, though it did not stop him from winning his home race after starting 19th. The duel between the two Mercedes drivers continued at the new Madrid street circuit, where Antonelli again celebrated victory while Russell finished outside the top three.