George Russell's Sepang Nightmare Isn't Over as 'Double Whammy' Grid Penalty Threat Emerges

George Russell's late power-unit failure at Sepang cost him a likely podium and could force Mercedes to take two grid penalties (Credit: George Russell | Facebook)

George Russell's miserable Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia could have consequences beyond his late retirement, with Mercedes warning that the Sepang power-unit failure may leave him facing two separate grid penalties before the 2026 season ends.

Russell was running third behind Max Verstappen and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli when his car developed a power-unit problem under the Safety Car with five laps remaining. He pulled over near Turn 1, losing a likely podium and falling 84 points behind Antonelli in the championship.