Source: Official Team Post via X
Mercedes Poised to Test Upgrades with Antonelli and Russell at US Grand Prix
Mercedes has decided to equip both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell with their latest upgrades for the United States Grand Prix. After mixed results in recent races, the team is keen to evaluate their performance in Austin.
Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has confirmed that both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will utilize the latest upgrade package during the United States Grand Prix. This decision follows the introduction of these updates at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Russell initially switched back to an older specification amid doubts about the improved performance.
Wolff explained that the team now has sufficient data to assess the impact of these upgrades, despite the limited dry running in Malaysia due to wet conditions. He noted that both drivers are in agreement about the potential benefits of the new package. "I think that this new car needs a very different setup philosophy than the previous car, and this is what we’re learning at the moment," Wolff remarked, acknowledging that the performance gains aren't yet fully realized but represent progress.
Russell had earlier expressed uncertainty in Singapore regarding the speed of the new specification compared to its predecessor. However, with both drivers set to run the updated parts at the Circuit of The Americas, Wolff emphasized the importance of this test for the team's development direction heading into next year. "The field is incredibly close, so we need to keep moving forward if we want to fight consistently at the front in the closing stages of the season," he added.
As the United States Grand Prix kicks off a challenging triple-header, Wolff stressed the importance of maintaining focus. "There is plenty at stake, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves," he said. "The priority is the weekend in front of us: execute well, maximize our performance, and take each race as it comes." Alongside the on-track action, Mercedes will also be engaged in several commercial activities around Austin.
Looking to the future, Antonelli approaches the weekend with the potential to become the 2026 Drivers’ Champion. While he would need a favorable set of results, a 125-point lead at the end of the race would secure him the title, making him the youngest ever World Champion.