# Naomi Schiff questions Mercedes' engine penalty decision

> Schiff doubts Mercedes' Singapore F1 engine penalty choice for Russell.
- Title: Naomi Schiff questions Mercedes' engine penalty decision
- Summary: Schiff doubts Mercedes' Singapore F1 engine penalty choice for Russell. Naomi Schiff argues Mercedes' decision to penalize George Russell with an extra…
- Keywords: naomi schiff, mercedes, george russell, singapore grand prix, power unit penalty, engine allocation, sports, cars, Naomi, Schiff, questions, Mercedes'
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/naomi-schiff-questions-mercedes-george-russell-f1-engine-penalty-decision/10863171
- Author: Lydia Mee
- Published: 2026-10-08T20:57:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: naomi schiff, mercedes, george russell, f1, singapore grand prix, power unit penalty, engine allocation, sports, cars
## Schiff questions Mercedes penalty
Former W Series driver Naomi Schiff doubts Mercedes' decision to penalize George Russell with an extra engine at Singapore Grand Prix.
## Russell's engine penalty reason
Russell dropped to the rear after exceeding his internal combustion engine allocation following retirement from Bahrain Grand Prix due to power unit failure.
## Schiff's podcast comments
Schiff said Russell ran out of allocated power units but questioned why Singapore was chosen over races with longer straights like Austin.

> He's obviously run out of his allocated power units, and that's why they're having to take this penalty because he's adding one to the lot.
## Sprint race impact
Singapore Grand Prix features a sprint race with one practice session before sprint qualifying on Friday.
## Championship standings
Kimi Antonelli leads drivers' championship with 320 points, Russell has 236, and Lewis Hamilton 214.
## Key takeaway

Naomi Schiff argues Mercedes' decision to penalize George Russell with an extra engine at Singapore due to power unit failure is ill-suited for the circuit, suggesting Austin might be a better option.