Singapore Grand Prix: George Russell to start from back of grid after penalty
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- George Russell will start from the back of the grid at the Singapore Grand Prix due to a power-unit penalty incurred after an engine failure at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
- The Mercedes driver qualified eighth in Bahrain and was on course for a podium before retiring with five laps remaining, a setback that has impacted his championship standings.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the penalty results from Russell exceeding the allowed number of power unit components, and emphasized the team's focus on providing a competitive car to help him recover positions.
- Kimi Antonelli, who finished second in Bahrain, extends his lead in the championship to 84 points over Russell, with six or seven races left in the season amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting the calendar.
- Singapore's weekend includes a sprint race where Russell's penalty does not apply, offering him a chance to gain points before the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
