Mercedes has announced it will divide its latest aerodynamic upgrades between its two drivers for the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint weekend. The decision comes as the team seeks to diagnose why their major updates, introduced during the previous race in Malaysia, failed to deliver the expected performance gains.
Kimi Antonelli will operate the upgraded W17 package, which includes a new front wing that was notably absent from the initial test in Sepang. Meanwhile, George Russell will continue to race with the older specification car last used in Baku. This arrangement is particularly strategic for Russell, who is mandated to start the main race from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty incurred after his car retired in Malaysia.
Russell revealed that he was the one who proposed the idea of splitting the packages. With his grid position already fixed at the rear for Sunday, the team viewed the move as a logical opportunity to gather comparative data without risking the championship standings in the opening practice session.
Red Bull also brought additional improvements to the Marina Bay circuit, introducing a new front wing and revisions to the rear wheel bodywork on their RB22. McLaren addressed cooling concerns in the tropical heat by modifying the front brake ducts on their MCL40, while Ferrari confirmed they are running unchanged specification cars this weekend.
Singapore is hosting the sixth and final Sprint weekend of the 2026 Formula One season. The unusual format leaves teams with only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, placing a premium on getting setups right immediately on the demanding, wall-lined street track.
Sprint weekends are always chaotic with just one practice session. Getting setup right immediately is the real challenge here.
Wait, so Antonelli gets the new car and Russell gets the old one? That seems unfair if they want equal test conditions.
Ferrari running unchanged specs? Really? They must be worried about their current setup working perfectly then.
I wonder if the front wing upgrade actually works in the humid Singapore air? That street circuit is brutal on aerodynamics.
Smart move by Russell to propose this. Data gathering while he starts last is genius strategy.