Mercedes to run split W17 specifications in Singapore

Mercedes has chosen to split the specifications of its two W17 cars for the Singapore Grand Prix, an unusual approach for a Sprint weekend. Multiple reports say the team will run different aero packages across the two cars as part of a direct comparison.

George Russell will not use the newer Mercedes upgrade package in Singapore and is set to switch back to the car specification he had in Baku. Russell said the split-strategy test was his idea and described it as a straightforward decision.

Kimi Antonelli is expected to continue with the update package Mercedes introduced earlier, with reports describing it as including a new floor and bodywork. One account said the package first appeared at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, while another said Antonelli would run the Sepang updates again in Singapore.