Singapore GP: George Russell to start from pit lane after changing his power unit

Mercedes driver George Russell to start the Singapore Grand Prix in the pit lane after taking a new power unit which exceeded the spending quota for allocated engine parts; the Brit suffered a shock Q2 exit due to a throttle problem and was due to start the race in 11th place on the grid

Russell was frustrated after failing to make it into Q3 due to a problem with the car's brakes in qualifying

George Russell will start the Singapore Grand Prix from the pit lane after taking a new power unit which exceeded his number of allocated engine parts.

Russell qualified 11th at the Marina Bay Circuit but he will be demoted to the back after Mercedes changed his power unit.

The British driver has enjoyed an impressive opening season as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate, finishing in the top five at every race he has completed.

But Russell will struggle to keep that fine record intact following his penalty.

There was a big shock in qualifying as George Russell failed to make it into Q3 in Singapore

The 24-year-old, who was pipped to Q3 by Haas' Kevin Magnussen, apologised to his team on the team radio, saying: "Sorry about that I really struggled. Exactly the same issue as in practice. Ahhh!"

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc lines up from pole position for Sunday's race ahead of Red Bull driver Sergio Perez with Hamilton third.

Max Verstappen starts only eighth after Red Bull under-fuelled his car. The Dutch driver must win to stand any chance of taking his second title here with five rounds to spare.

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Watch the Singapore Grand Prix from 11.30am on Sky Sports F1, with lights out at 1pm.

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