George Russell changes engine but retains seventh on Hungary GP grid
ESPN F1 • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 4:56 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
George Russell will race with a new V6 engine at the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a water leak detected during qualifying. Despite the change, Russell maintains his seventh place on the starting grid after qualifying amid struggles with tire temperatures. Teammate Kimi Antonelli, who qualified fourth, faces scrutiny from the stewards for possible speeding under yellow flags. Meanwhile, Lando Norris secured pole position for the race, with Lewis Hamilton receiving a three-place grid drop for impeding during qualifying.
- •Russell qualified seventh despite engine issues during qualifying.
- •He will race with his fourth engine, avoiding a grid drop.
- •Antonelli faces a stewards' investigation for possible speeding.
- •Norris claims pole position while Hamilton drops three places.
- 6:34 PMESPN F1 — Russell to get new engine after qualy water leak
- 5:35 PMRacer — Mercedes changes Russell’s power unit without penalty after qualifying issue
- 4:56 PMMotorsport.com — George Russell to undergo Mercedes engine change, but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid drop
- 4:56 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell to undergo Mercedes engine change, but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid drop
"Mercedes driver George Russell will take a fresh V6 engine for the Hungarian GP following a water leak in qualifying, but will keep his seventh place on the grid. Russell qualified a distant seventh at the Hungaroring after both he and team-mate Kimi Antonelli looked adrift in qualifying, with Mercedes struggling to keep its tyre temperatures under control. Russell's second lap was ruined ...Keep reading
"George Russell will use a new power unit for the Hungarian Grand Prix after a water leak forced him to stop on track at the end of qualifying, but has avoided a grid penalty.
"BUDAPEST, Hungary -- George Russell will get the benefit of a new Mercedes engine without a grid penalty as he looks to fight back from seventh at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Jul 25, 2026, 6:34 PMRussell to get new engine after qualy water leak
BUDAPEST, Hungary -- George Russell will get the benefit of a new Mercedes engine without a grid penalty as he looks to fight back from seventh at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
- RacerJul 25, 2026, 5:35 PMMercedes changes Russell’s power unit without penalty after qualifying issue
George Russell will use a new power unit for the Hungarian Grand Prix after a water leak forced him to stop on track at the end of qualifying, but has avoided a grid penalty.
- Motorsport.comJul 25, 2026, 4:56 PMGeorge Russell to undergo Mercedes engine change, but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid drop
Mercedes driver George Russell will take a fresh V6 engine for the Hungarian GP following a water leak in qualifying, but will keep his seventh place on the grid. Russell qualified a distant seventh at the Hungaroring after both he and team-mate Kimi Antonelli looked adrift in qualifying, with Mercedes struggling to keep its tyre temperatures under control. Russell's second lap was ruined ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 4:56 PMGeorge Russell to undergo Mercedes engine change, but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid drop
Mercedes is moving George Russell onto a replacement V6 engine for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix following a water leak in qualifying
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