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Russell set for grid penalty at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Mercedes' George Russell has spoken about why the decision has been made to serve an engine penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Formula 1

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 3:17 PM

Key Things to Know

George Russell will receive a five-place grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix following an engine change.
The penalty is Russell's second grid drop in four rounds following power unit changes at Singapore.
Mercedes chose Interlagos believing the circuit offers good opportunities to overtake and recover positions.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mercedes driver George Russell is set to serve a grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to an engine change. The penalty will result in a five-place grid drop from wherever he qualifies at Interlagos. This marks his second engine-related grid penalty across the last four rounds, following earlier component changes in Singapore.

Russell explained that the team planned to take the penalty before the season ended, citing Lewis Hamilton's previous success recovering through the field in Brazil. The change reportedly involves a new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), coming shortly after a difficult race weekend for Russell in Mexico.

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Russell set for grid penalty at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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