News1304 stories
RSS ↗
via f1technical.netMercedes warns of inevitable grid penalties as power unit allocations come under pressureMercedes is facing potential grid penalties for drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as they approach the limits of their Power Unit allocations in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Reliability issues earlier in the season have complicated their situation, with Antonelli already reaching limits on several components and Russell needing a new engine due to a water leak. Despite winning eight of the first 11 races, the team acknowledges that maintaining their championship advantage may require strategic decisions regarding when to accept penalties.
The team is currently assessing how to manage their Power Unit situation while remaining competitive. Mercedes has demonstrated strong performance across various circuits, but the reliability problems have forced both drivers to deviate from their original Power Unit plans. As the season progresses, the team must decide when to take penalties to ensure both drivers have enough fresh components to finish the season effectively.





















