George Russell is expected to take a Formula 1 grid penalty when Mercedes introduces its upgraded ADUO power unit later this season, with the team attempting to combine the unavoidable component change with the arrival of a newer and potentially more powerful engine specification. Bradley Lord has also confirmed that a substantial aerodynamic package for the W17 will debut at the next race in Malaysia.
Mercedes’ updated internal combustion engine, featuring developments permitted following the second round of ADUO measurements, is expected to arrive around the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix. That timing is now particularly significant for George Russell, fresh from his Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory, because Mercedes intends to introduce his next power unit only once the upgraded specification is ready.
George Russell grid penalty tied to Mercedes ADUO engine upgrade
Mercedes has known for some time that George Russell will need to exceed his permitted power unit allocation before the end of the season. Rather than taking the penalty in Baku, the team decided to extend the life of his existing equipment and wait for the upgraded engine.
The strategy is designed to ensure that the number 63 W17 receives not simply a fresh power unit, but the latest specification available. That should allow Mercedes to absorb one set of grid penalties while giving George Russell a stronger engine package for the remaining races.
Bradley Lord, Mercedes deputy team principal and the senior team figure in Baku while Toto Wolff was absent, explained the plan.
“The engine change on George Russell’s car? Probably yes, that is something that will happen later in the year. We are trying to work out the best plan and also how to coordinate it with the opportunity we have through ADUO to introduce an upgraded engine of our own.”
George Russell had originally been expected to take the penalty in Azerbaijan, where Mercedes enjoyed a substantial performance advantage. Instead, the decision was postponed, and the Briton went on to convert his dominant Baku pole position into victory.
Mercedes wants Russell to serve only one set of penalties
Mercedes’ objective is to synchronise the component changes so George Russell does not have to take separate penalties at different races.
“So hopefully we can combine all of this at one of the upcoming races and make sure that he only has to serve one set of penalties between now and the end of the season,” Bradley Lord explained.
“Kimi, obviously, has already served his at Monza. So yes, it is in the plan, but we don’t yet know exactly when: the date keeps changing.”
Kimi Antonelli took his own power unit penalty at Monza before recovering from 19th on the grid to win the Italian Grand Prix. George Russell’s change is being managed differently because Mercedes now has the opportunity to combine his fresh components with the forthcoming engine development.
“At one point the chosen date to change George Russell’s engine was Baku, which is where the expectation that it could happen here came from. But it keeps moving depending on where we have the best chance of scoring points.”
Russell could receive newer and more powerful Mercedes engine
The delayed change means George Russell must continue using higher-mileage components for a little longer, but there is an obvious potential benefit once the penalty is finally taken.
“I think for George Russell it is frustrating knowing that he has to change the engine, but I also think he would rather have a new, updated and, hopefully, more powerful engine,” Bradley Lord said. “So that should put him in a good position for the rest of the season.”
The decision could have an important impact on the 2026 Formula 1 championship. George Russell reduced Kimi Antonelli’s advantage with victory in Baku, having already made clear that he intends to keep fighting while the title remains mathematically possible.
Mercedes must therefore choose a circuit where starting further back is least damaging to George Russell’s championship prospects while also ensuring the updated engine is ready. The current expectation places the introduction between Austin, scheduled for October 23-25, and Mexico City from October 30 to November 1.
Major Mercedes W17 aerodynamic upgrade coming in Malaysia
Mercedes will not have to wait as long for its next major chassis development. A substantial aerodynamic package is scheduled to make its debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix next week.
The timing itself is not unexpected, as the team had been planning this development phase for several weeks. Bradley Lord has now confirmed both the scale and aerodynamic nature of the package.
“It is not necessarily that simple to bring an upgrade to these cars and have it automatically deliver the results you hope for, but hopefully it should be a decent step forward. We will arrive with a fairly significant aerodynamic package.”
The new components will arrive while Mercedes is already setting the benchmark with the W17. The car’s advantage has been particularly evident in recent rounds, raising questions over the extent of the W17’s current dominance, even as the team continues to search for further performance.
Malaysia will put Mercedes upgrade under immediate pressure
The Malaysian circuit will provide an immediate test for the new package because of its demanding aerodynamic characteristics, while heat and tyre management will add another challenge for both the W17 and its drivers.
“Malaysia is a circuit that requires a lot aerodynamically, so it is demanding for the car and, of course, for the drivers as well, particularly when it comes to tyre conditions,” Bradley Lord said.
“It is also a little bit like a home race for us: a home race for our title sponsor, Petronas. So there are lots of activities planned ahead of the race and, hopefully, some good results on track as well.”
Mercedes therefore has two significant technical steps approaching on different timelines. The W17 will receive its major aerodynamic development in Malaysia, while the updated ADUO power unit is expected later, around Austin or Mexico City.
For George Russell, the second development will come with an unavoidable sporting cost. Mercedes is now trying to ensure that when the grid penalty finally arrives, it is paired with the strongest possible engine package for the remainder of his championship campaign.
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