Mercedes splits car specifications to investigate upgrade in Singapore

• 

  Mercedes split its car specifications between George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli at the Singapore Grand Prix to compare an older package with a major upgrade introduced in Malaysia.

• 

  Russell used the older specification, which he had raced in Baku, while Antonelli kept the upgraded package.

• 

  The team launched the test after struggling for pace in Malaysia, where Max Verstappen won and Russell retired with a power-unit failure.

• 

  Mercedes' early findings suggested the upgraded car was more difficult to drive, with less consistent balance and more difficulty through slow corners, but the team said it could still have greater performance potential.

• 

  Mercedes said it could not return Antonelli's car fully to the previous specification during the Singapore weekend because the new package changed the car's aerodynamic concept and required changes to cooling components and other equipment.

• 

  Russell's engine penalty meant he was due to start the main race from the back of the grid, making the comparison a lower-risk opportunity for the team.

Who

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, with team officials Toto Wolff and Bradley Lord discussing the test.

What

Mercedes ran different car specifications to compare its new aerodynamic package with the previous version.

When

The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, beginning October 8.

Where

Singapore.

Why

Mercedes wanted to understand why its major upgrade performed below expectations in Malaysia and how to develop the car.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.