Schiff questions Mercedes’ timing of Russell’s Singapore penalty

Naomi Schiff has questioned Mercedes’ choice to take George Russell’s power-unit penalty at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, saying another upcoming race might have offered him a better chance to overtake.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Schiff said the timing surprised her and named Austin as a possible better option because of its long straights. She also said she did not know whether Mercedes had a suitable engine available within Russell’s allocation; other races seemed more suitable to her.

Russell’s power unit failed in the closing laps of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia while he was on course for a podium. Mercedes had expected to use a new engine later in the 2026 season, but Formula 1 reported that damage from Malaysia forced the team to bring the change forward to the Singapore Grand Prix. Formula 1 also said Singapore’s narrow streets and close walls would make a recovery from the back more difficult, but that Russell’s 2025 win at the circuit could boost his confidence of returning to the top 10.

The additional power-unit components will push Russell beyond his season allocation, and Mercedes expects him to start Sunday’s Grand Prix at the back. The penalty does not apply to Saturday’s Sprint.