Mercedes driver George Russell will start the Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after a penalty for replacing his power unit following an engine failure in Malaysia.
The Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled for October 9–11 on the Marina Bay street circuit. RIA Novosti said Russell would start Sunday’s race from the back of the field. Autosport also reported the penalty after the Briton retired in Malaysia; the FIA calendar confirms the Singapore round’s dates.
Russell had been running third at the previous race before a problem with his car forced him to retire. Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff described the penalty as a consequence of the engine failure. He said the team would aim to give Russell a competitive car and a chance to make up positions.
The 28-year-old is second in the drivers’ standings with 236 points, 84 behind Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has 320. The starting position will make Russell’s task harder on the Marina Bay street circuit, where overtaking is typically difficult, though the race outcome will also depend on the car’s pace and how the event unfolds.