Russell takes new engine for US GP, and a grid penalty

Williams' George Russell has received a new Mercedes power unit for this weekend's US Grand Prix, a change that will trigger a grid penalty for the Briton.

Russell is the second Mercedes-powered driver to be handed a new unit in Austin, with Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel the recipient of new engine elements.

It is not yet clear which components have been added to the two drivers' respective pool of hardware, thus the extent of their grid penalty is not yet known.

Mercedes' engines have encountered reliability issues lately, with championship contender taking on a fresh ICE last time out in Turkey, while McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo was also handed a new PU at Istanbul Park..

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The US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas is a second home race of sorts for Williams which is now owned by an American entity, Dorilton Capital.

"They've got a huge amount of guests here this weekend and they've got a lot in store for us," Russell commented on Thursday in Austin.

"So, they're certainly pretty pumped about it. But, just generally, this circuit, this place is really exciting. It probably is my favourite race weekend of the year other than Silverstone."

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