Mercedes to run Antonelli and Russell on the same upgraded W17 in Austin after Singapore test
After a split-spec test in Singapore, Mercedes will put both cars on the upgraded W17, including a new front wing, at the US Grand Prix. Antonelli leads the title race by 102 points.
Mercedes plan to run Kimi Antonelli and George Russell on the same upgraded W17 specification at the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend. The package includes a new front wing that the team tested in Singapore practice but never planned to race.
Mercedes lead the constructors' championship by a wide margin on 578 points, and Antonelli leads the drivers' standings. But they did not win either of the last two races, and the team wants to be sure its latest parts help.
The Singapore comparison
In Singapore, Antonelli ran the new aero package while Russell stayed on the earlier specification, so engineers could compare the two cars. Russell also had an engine penalty and started from the back.
Deputy team principal Bradley Lord explained on the team's radio show why the wing was not raced. "We only had one there, so we'd rushed it through production," he said. A damaged wing could have forced a pit-lane start, so the part was used only in first practice.
Downforce, but a narrower window
Deputy technical director Simone Resta said the package adds downforce. The challenge is making that extra grip usable across the whole range of conditions, rather than only at peak performance.
The upgrade had a disappointing debut at the Malaysia race in Sepang on 4 October, won by Max Verstappen. Austin will show whether the team has made the W17 easier to drive, not only quicker on paper.
Where the title race stands
Antonelli has 340 points, 102 clear of Russell on 238. Lewis Hamilton is third on 229 and Verstappen fourth on 221, 119 behind Antonelli.
Antonelli can win the championship mathematically in Austin, but only if results go his way. Mercedes have won 11 of the 17 races this year, Antonelli eight and Russell three.
Track time is limited
Austin is a standard weekend with no sprint. Teams get three practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday and the 56-lap race on Sunday 25 October. That leaves little time to test a new part and adjust the car.
Key takeaways
- Both Mercedes cars should run the upgraded W17 in Austin.
- The new front wing was tested in Singapore practice only because only one existed.
- Mercedes lead the constructors' table on 578 points.
- Antonelli leads Russell by 102 points in the drivers' standings.
FAQ
Q: Why did Mercedes not race the new front wing in Singapore? They had only one rushed part, and damage could have forced a pit-lane start, so it was used only in practice.
Q: Who is running the upgrade in Austin? Mercedes say both Antonelli and Russell will run the same upgraded specification.
Q: Is there a sprint in Austin? No. It is a standard weekend with three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.
Sources: Grandprix.com, PlanetF1, Formula1.com, Wikipedia, GRANDPRIX247