Russell will start Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid
George Russell will start Singapore Grand Prix from the BACK of the grid after his Mercedes required a new engine after the British driver complained of problems negotiating corners in qualifying
- George Russell will begin Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix from the pit lane
- He has been demoted to the back of the grid after taking a new power unit
- Mercedes driver had already exceeded his season’s limit for most components
- 24-year-old had complained about steering and braking issues in qualifying
George Russell will start from the back of the grid in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix after his Mercedes required a new engine.
The British driver had qualified in 11th position on Saturday having been eliminated in Q2 but will now start from the pit lane behind everyone else.
Mercedes have changed all components of his car’s W13 E Performance power unit, taking him further over the maximum allocation of parts permitted for the season.
Russell, 24, had already exceeded the limit with all parts except for his exhaust.
The Mercedes of George Russell required a new power unit, sending him to the back of the grid for Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix
It continues a frustration weekend in Singapore for the Briton, who had issues in qualifying
It comes after Russell encountered technical problems during the qualifying session on the Marine Bay Street Circuit.
The British driver has enjoyed an impressive opening season as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate, finishing in the top five at every race he has completed.
But Russell will struggle to keep that fine record intact following his penalty.
The Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the car’s engine was still delivering power to his wheels even when he’d come fully off the throttle.
Russell said: ‘The grip felt good, I just couldn’t get around any corners. I kept understeering off, which is such a shame.
‘We’ve seen some indications in the data and I hope we can resolve it.
Russell out on track during qualifying, where he experienced steering and braking problems
‘Obviously it’s disappointing for myself and the whole team as the car was looking strong here.
‘Lewis was really fast but unfortunately I couldn’t make it work.’
Hamilton qualified in third place behind Charles Leclerc of Ferrari on pole and Sergio Perez of Red Bull in second.
Championship leader Max Verstappen could only finish eighth because he was left short of fuel after abandoning a hot lap because of an error.
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