{
  "id": 12826837,
  "title": "Mercedes decides which driver will take major F1 downgrade at Singapore GP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/mercedes-decides-which-driver-will-take-major-f1-downgrade-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T08:38:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mercedes-decides-driver-major-f1-083843303.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes has officially defined its split-specification strategy for the Singapore Grand Prix. Team principal Toto Wolff recently confirmed the team would run a drastic split-specification test to troubleshoot their aerodynamic updates. Now, photos from the paddock confirm that Kimi Antonelli will run the controversial Malaysia upgrade package for the entire weekend, while George Russell will run the older spec. Russell, who will also have an engine penalty, will start from the back of the grid on the tight Marina Bay Street Circuit. Mercedes aims to use Russell as a high-speed test mule to directly benchmark the failed Malaysia updates without risking Antonelli's title fight.",
  "summary": "Mercedes officially confirms its divided garage strategy with George Russell stepping back to an older car specification",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Motorsport.com",
        "title": "Mercedes is considering a step backwards ahead of the Singapore GP",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/mercedes-is-considering-a-step-backwards-ahead-of-the-singapore-gp",
        "published": "2026-10-08T08:12:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}