Penalty for George Russell: New engine, aero update, back on the grid

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was not present at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (due to his son’s karting race); he was represented in Baku by Bradley Lord.

And the deputy Mercedes team principal confirmed what was inevitable: George Russell will have to face a grid penalty, perhaps as early as Malaysia. If that doesn’t work out, then in Austin, because in Singapore – where overtaking is particularly tricky – a grid penalty would be unwise.

Lord explains: “The engine change on Russell’s car is coming. We’re currently trying to work out the best plan and clarify how we can coordinate it with the option we have under the ADUO to introduce an updated engine on our side. The timing varies. For a while, we thought we might be able to change the engine on George’s car as early as Baku. But we’re always thinking about the best result. That’s why there’s been no change yet.”

“Hopefully, we’ll manage to tie all this together at one of the upcoming races and ensure that, from here until the end of the season, he only has to serve one penalty group. Kimi, of course, has already served his penalty for fitting a new engine at Monza.”

“I think it’s frustrating for Russell to know he has to change his engine, but I reckon he’d rather have a new, updated and more powerful one. So that should put him in a good position for the rest of the season.”

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Lord on the improved aerodynamics: “It’s not that easy to introduce an update to these cars and ensure it automatically delivers the results we’re hoping for, but hopefully it will be a decent step forward. We’ll be lining up with a fairly comprehensive aerodynamic package.”

“The circuit in Malaysia places high demands on aerodynamics, so it’s a challenge for the car and, of course, for the drivers too, particularly when it comes to tyre condition. It’s also something of a home race for us, thanks to our title sponsor Petronas. As a result, there are plenty of activities planned in the run-up to the race, and we’re naturally hoping for good results on the track as well.”