Mercedes confirms Kimi Antonelli’s upgrades are “clearly faster” after Singapore split strategy
The Mercedes F1 Team walked away from the demanding 2026 Singapore Grand Prix with more than just a trophy and a solid haul of Constructors' points. After spending the entire weekend running a split-specification garage to evaluate their heavily debated aerodynamic updates, the team officially possesses the critical data needed to attack the final stretch of the season. With Andrea Kimi ... Keep…
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli's upgrades to their W17 car during the Singapore Grand Prix proved to be more effective than the older aerodynamic package tested by George Russell. The team used the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit to run a split-specification garage, gathering crucial data for the final stretch of the 2026 F1 season.
Despite Russell starting 19th due to a 60-place grid penalty, he managed to score points with his older-spec car, while Antonelli capitalized on the new floor and wing elements, securing a podium finish. Mercedes' Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin, credited Antonelli for his mature race, tire management, and pace that allowed him to make crucial moves for the podium.
With their findings, Mercedes now has a definitive answer on which technical path to pursue and is confident they are moving in the right direction. Antonelli's package is currently the faster option, providing the team with hope for a championship push at the upcoming United States Grand Prix.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
