Source: Official Team Post via X
Kimi Antonelli on Mercedes' Quest to Perfect Upgrades in Singapore
Kimi Antonelli is optimistic that Mercedes can unlock the potential of their latest upgrades at the Singapore Grand Prix. Despite challenges in Malaysia, Antonelli remains focused on maximizing performance and keeping his lead in the drivers' standings.
Mercedes is keen on reclaiming victory at the Singapore Grand Prix as they continue to fine-tune their latest upgrade package. Kimi Antonelli, eyeing a return to form, is optimistic about finding the key to making these upgrades work. The Italian driver will be testing a new front wing in Singapore, designed to synergize with their existing package.
Unlike Ferrari and Red Bull, who have been steadily refining their cars throughout the season, Mercedes held off until the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to unveil significant changes. These included modifications to the car's bodywork and floor. The team had hoped these updates would restore their earlier-season performance edge, but the results fell short. Instead, Red Bull's Max Verstappen capitalized on pole position to secure his first win of 2026, while Mercedes' George Russell faced a mechanical retirement.
Antonelli did manage a podium finish behind Verstappen, but the race highlighted the need for Mercedes to better optimize their current setup before the season concludes. When asked about the potential impact of the new front wing, Antonelli remarked, "That's what we aim to discover. George is reverting to the older package, which we've seen perform well on circuits like this."
He continued, "On my end, we're searching for answers with this package. We hope to comprehend it better and finally tap into its potential. Although it's just one front wing, we'll see what it brings. Sepang was an anomaly due to its tarmac and high temperatures, but hopefully, this weekend will allow us to better position the car and extract more from the package."
Russell, meanwhile, faces a significant grid penalty for exceeding power unit allocations, presenting Antonelli with a chance to widen his 84-point lead in the drivers' standings. However, Antonelli is more focused on maximizing Mercedes' upgrades than on the intra-team rivalry.
"I've committed to the new package for the entire weekend," he stated. "There's no turning back since it's a major effort for the team. We aim to make the most of what we have. I feel more confident this weekend, hoping we'll have a better grasp of the package to extract more of its potential. We're aiming for a win. That's the mindset. George starting at the back doesn't change my approach. I'll focus on what I can control and aim to deliver my best performance. If a win is possible, fantastic. If not, a podium will do. I'm eager for the weekend and a strong result for the team."