Mercedes decides which driver will benefit from major F1 downgrade at Singapore GP

After Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently confirmed that the team would carry out a drastic split-spec comparison test to resolve issues with aerodynamic updates, the exact garage assignments remained a complete mystery.

Now that the paddock is ready for the highly anticipated Singapore Grand Prix sprint weekend, Mercedes has officially set out its strategy.

The divided garage

Now, paddock photos further confirm that Mercedes mechanics are splitting the aero packages between their two star drivers.

If photos are to be believed, Kimi Antonelli will lead Malaysia’s controversial upgrade package all weekend. The team is clearly hoping that keeping the newer and potentially faster parts on Antonelli’s car will give it the best possible chance of building pace and defending its championship lead at the tight Marina Bay Street circuit.

Meanwhile, George Russell will take a complete step back. Russell will use the old aero package from previous specifications. Images from the pit lane show the two separate floors of the vehicle being prepared with the different aerodynamic packages side by side.

Making the best of a bad situation

Although putting a rider on older machinery during a sprint weekend seems like a huge disadvantage, the allocation actually makes perfect sense given the penalty Russell will take this Sunday.

During the closing stages of the chaotic Sepang race, Russell suffered a catastrophic power unit failure. Due to this mechanical retirement, he now finds himself facing a mandatory engine penalty in Singapore.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Starting from the back of the grid on a tight street circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult essentially ruins his chances of fighting for a podium on sheer pace.

Aware of this reality, Mercedes is taking advantage of its compromised weekend to collect critical comparative data. With the Sprint format limiting the grid to a single 60-minute practice session before parc ferme rules lock out the cars, using Russell as a high-speed test mule allows the factory to directly compare the failed updates in Malaysia without risking Antonelli’s title fight.

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– The Motorsport.com team