Mercedes Assesses Car Upgrades Following Split Specification Strategy in Singapore
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shared his assessment of the team's latest technical upgrades following an experimental split setup at the Singapore Grand Prix. The data gathered is set to influence the development direction of their 2027 car after encouraging progress during the race weekend. Mercedes now expects to run the revised package on both cars at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized that gaining a thorough understanding of the team's recent upgrade package is vital for the development of their 2027 car, following a step in the right direction at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The championship leaders made the unusual decision to run two different car specifications across the Singapore weekend after facing difficulties with a major upgrade brought to both W17 cars in Malaysia. That update had marked the team's first significant package introduced since May.
For the race in Singapore, Kimi Antonelli used the newer specification, while George Russell returned to the previous setup on a weekend where engine penalties had already consigned him to the back of the grid. Russell showed greater pace in the initial Sprint sessions, but Antonelli was faster in main qualifying before securing a third-place finish in the Grand Prix, strengthening his push for the world championship. After the race, Antonelli expressed optimism that the team was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Reviewing the split approach, Wolff explained that dividing the cars was an uncommon choice in such a competitive, high-technology environment, but it was necessary to speed up their learning curve. He pointed out that the upgraded car requires a completely different setup philosophy compared to the older version. While Wolff conceded that the new configuration was not as easy to drive and had not yet delivered all the performance the team had targeted, he still viewed it as progress.
The team also tested a new front wing on Antonelli's car during Singapore's sole practice session, though it was removed before competitive running began.
Looking forward to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Wolff indicated that Mercedes will likely field the newer specification on both cars, subject to final review meetings. He noted that both drivers believe the updated package will offer a benefit in Austin and that continuing with it aligns with the team's developmental goals for the future.