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Mercedes will run split aerodynamic specifications on their W17 cars at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. George Russell will revert to the Baku configuration, while team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli sticks with the upgraded package introduced at Sepang.
The German outfit introduced extensive floor and bodywork upgrades during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, featuring revised forward floor fences and reshaped sidepod upper surfaces. Although the updates delivered increased downforce in high-speed corners, extreme conditions and an abrasive surface obscured the data, forcing drivers to manage rear-end instability on mid-corner throttle application.
To gather direct back-to-back comparison data, Mercedes decided to split car configurations. Russell described the decision as a no-brainer, particularly as he faces a back-of-the-grid start following a penalty for power unit component changes.
"I actually brought it up before Sunday's race," Russell revealed. "Once the issue arose, the choice became crystal clear. Before the race we were torn, but I was personally leaning towards reverting, and now it's a completely natural decision."
"There's nothing to suggest the upgrades aren't working. We know our car in Baku was identical to Budapest and Zandvoort. In Baku, we took pole by eight-tenths, whereas in Budapest we were four-tenths off. Those are massive swings, so we're confident the track characteristics in Malaysia were the main factor. The engine penalty gives us a great opportunity to roll back to the spec I won with in Baku."
Championship leader Antonelli, meanwhile, will run the upgraded package throughout the weekend and will not revert to the previous version, even if practice data shows comparable pace. The Italian remains convinced the update brings a genuine step forward, viewing Sepang as an outlier due to the abrasive asphalt and track temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.
"The data at Sepang painted a different picture, but the conditions there were an isolated case because of the extreme heat and rough asphalt," Antonelli explained. "In Singapore, temperatures are lower and the track surface is in much better condition. This weekend will be a great test because we struggled in low-speed corners in Malaysia, and that's predominantly what we have here. It will be interesting to make a direct comparison between both cars. I believe the upgrade is genuine, and I hope we unlock the package's full potential this weekend."
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