Mercedes will run split specifications for the Singapore Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli continuing with the Sepang upgrade package while George Russell switches back to the Baku specification. Russell initiated the conversation about reverting to the older parts before his Malaysia retirement, calling it a no-brainer given his grid penalty for power unit changes.
The team introduced a new floor and bodywork package at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, but struggled to understand its behavior on Sepang's rough track surface. Russell will take a grid penalty at Singapore after exceeding power unit allocation limits, making the penalty timing ideal for testing different specifications.
Russell expressed confidence in the Baku specification that delivered victory two races ago, noting it performed well on similar circuits. Antonelli will commit to the upgraded package throughout the weekend, with the team splitting approaches to gain direct comparison data between the two specifications.