Russell to start from back of Singapore grid after power-unit penalty

George Russell will start Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after a penalty for using more power-unit components than allowed, Mercedes said. He qualified sixth, but the starting order puts him 22nd; teammate Kimi Antonelli will start fourth.

Russell had already crashed out of the Sprint at the end of the opening lap. He took the lead from Max Verstappen at Turn 1, then lost traction on the white line at Turn 19 and hit the wall. Russell said he had misjudged it; team principal Toto Wolff noted that wet conditions can catch out the first car on the road. Mercedes' mechanics rebuilt Russell's car in time for qualifying.

Russell said he expected overtaking from the back to be difficult, but would try to make up places.