New vs old! Mercedes split cars for Singapore as Antonelli keeps upgrade and Russell rolls back

Singapore Grand Prix preparations are underway as Mercedes split their car specifications between their drivers. Kimi Antonelli has opted to continue running the new aerodynamic package at the Marina Bay Circuit, despite admitting it could be a challenge on the slow and twisty streets. The new package was introduced at the high-speed Sepang track for the previous Bahrain Grand Prix, where Antonelli finished second to Max Verstappen's Red Bull.

Teammate George Russell, however, will revert to the old package for Singapore, starting from the back of the grid due to a penalty for using a new power unit. This move aims to provide a direct comparison of the two car specifications on the slower corners. Antonelli acknowledged the challenge this brings, highlighting the importance of understanding the new package with a sprint race added to the schedule. There will only be one Friday practice session, making the upcoming weekend crucial for fine-tuning the cars.

Russell confirmed that there were no signs indicating the upgrade in Sepang was not effective. He pointed out that the car they used in Bahrain, which secured pole position by eight tenths of a second, in Budapest, and Zandvoort, was the same as the one they will use in Singapore. With the engine penalty in Singapore, Russell sees it as a perfect opportunity to roll back to the old package, which he won the Baku Grand Prix with.