Mercedes Singapore switch puts upgrades in focus

Motorsport.com reported Mercedes split specs in Singapore after its new package underdelivered, with George Russell second in 2026 on 238 points.

Motorsport.com reported that Mercedes split specifications for the Singapore round after a new floor and bodywork package failed to deliver the expected step at Sepang. The outlet said George Russell was moved back to the older car specification while the team evaluated its next move.

The same publication also cited Sky Sports pundit and former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok, who said Mercedes should be concerned by the latest upgrade package because the new aerodynamic parts had not produced the gain the team wanted. With no confirmation from Mercedes in the supplied material, that remains a reported assessment rather than an official team position.

Russell went into that period second in the 2026 drivers' championship on 238 points. The British driver, born on 15 February 1998, had made 161 Formula 1 starts and taken seven wins, while Mercedes had recorded 138 wins and eight titles across 19 seasons.