George Russell is facing a penalty for replacing the power unit.

      Mercedes driver George Russell is facing a penalty with a loss of positions at the start for replacing power unit components beyond the allowed limit for the season. This was reported by the team's deputy leader, Bradley Lord.

      It was previously revealed that a similar penalty awaits George's teammate, Kimi Antonelli. The leader of the personal standings will have his power unit replaced at the next stage in Monza.

      "We haven't decided yet at which stage George will have to serve the penalty, but it will affect both drivers," Lord said on the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show. "George retired in Canada, Kimi in Barcelona, and in Hungary, George had to end qualifying early. If this had happened during the race, the consequences could have been much more serious.

      We need to manage the remaining stages properly so that both cars finish the season with the freshest and most efficient power unit components. We are constantly trying to find a balance between the risk of using high-mileage parts and losing points due to a starting penalty, after which positions need to be regained during the race."

      The team's technical director, James Allison, added that the team will assess the situation after each race before deciding when to make the replacement: "Each race adds new experience for the Mercedes team and clients and increases the mileage of the components. We are constantly checking their condition and evaluating whether the measures taken earlier have resolved the issues.

      In a few races, we may be more confident that the power unit can withstand the sixth or seventh stage than we are now. Therefore, after each weekend, we review our plans."