Wolff explains Mercedes split-spec W17 test in Singapore
Mercedes ran different W17 specifications for its two drivers in Singapore as the team sought more direct comparison data on its upgrade package. Toto Wolff said the split-spec approach was intended to help explain why the aerodynamic update has not delivered as expected.
Mercedes used a split-specification approach for the Singapore weekend, with each driver running a different version of the W17. Toto Wolff explained that the team adopted the plan to collect side-by-side information from the two cars.
The objective was to better understand why Mercedes’ aerodynamic upgrade package had failed to work as anticipated. Reports said the experiment was aimed at producing clearer answers, but Wolff’s initial comments indicated the team was still trying to make sense of the outcome.
The test came against the backdrop of broader questions about Mercedes’ current performance and why its latest upgrade package is not delivering the expected gains. Wolff’s remarks in Singapore focused on using the divided-car strategy to guide the team’s next steps in diagnosing the problem.
In this story
Sources (5)
Summaries are synthesized by F1 Hub from the linked sources. Follow the links above to read the full reporting at each outlet.