{
  "id": 13365479,
  "title": "Mercedes drivers speak out after bitterly divided F1 qualifying session in Singapore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/mercedes-drivers-speak-out-after-bitterly-divided-f1-qualifying",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T08:33:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-drivers-speak-out-after-a-bitterly-divided-f1-qualifying-session-in-singapore/10863711/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is grappling with an internal crisis after a controversial qualifying session in Singapore. During the Sprint qualifying shootout, the team deliberately split their aerodynamic packages to gather data on a failing upgrade. However, the results were polarizing, with George Russell qualifying on the front row in his older vehicle, while championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli struggled in his heavily upgraded car, finishing seventh. Despite facing a mandatory engine penalty, Russell remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming Sprint race, emphasizing the importance of a strong launch from the start line. Antonelli, on the other hand, is desperately searching for answers to the new factory upgrades that have derailed his weekend performance. With rigid parc fermé rules limiting major changes, the team is relying on digital telemetry to analyze and improve the car's handling before the Sprint race.",
  "summary": "The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is currently navigating one of the most bizarre internal storylines of the 2026 Formula 1 season. During Friday's Sprint qualifying shootout at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the factory deliberately split their aerodynamic packages to gather comparative data on a failing upgrade. The on-track results were completely polarising. George Russell, driving the ...…",
  "key_points": [
    "Mercedes intentionally split aerodynamic packages for data collection.",
    "George Russell qualified ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.",
    "Team relies on digital telemetry to improve car handling."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Motorsport.com",
        "title": "Qualifying delayed at F1 Singapore GP after rain disrupts sprint race",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/qualifying-delayed-at-f1-singapore-gp-after-rain-disrupts-sprint-race",
        "published": "2026-10-10T10:41:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}