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Mercedes reverts George Russell to older car spec in Singapore
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Mercedes reverts George Russell to older car spec in Singapore

Mercedes decided to run George Russell in its older Formula 1 car specification for the Singapore Grand Prix after the team’s new floor and bodywork package underperformed at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Anglo-German squad chose to split specifications between drivers in Singapore to evaluate performance differences.

The decision came following a disappointing result at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Mercedes struggled despite introducing the new floor and bodywork upgrades. George Russell, competing against Max Verstappen on 26 September, was part of the team's efforts to find the best setup for upcoming races.

Mercedes’s strategy reflects the team’s ongoing challenge to optimise its car performance in the highly competitive 2026 Formula 1 season. With the Singapore Grand Prix approaching, the team aims to gather crucial data to improve race outcomes and adapt to different circuits.

The split specification approach allows Mercedes to compare the effectiveness of the new upgrades against the previous setup directly. This move is critical as the team seeks to close the gap with rivals and enhance its position in the championship standings.

George Russell’s switch to the older car spec in Singapore represents a tactical choice by Mercedes to prioritise reliability and proven performance. The team will monitor the results closely to decide on the best direction for the rest of the season.

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