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George Russell says Mercedes’ latest upgrade is a sizeable step, but rejects the suggestion that it could bring a one-second gain.
Qu’est-ce qui a changé ? · 01/10/2026 19:28 UTC
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RacingNews365 Nederland reports that Mercedes plans to bring a substantial aerodynamic upgrade for its W17 to Sepang this weekend. Citing information it has obtained, the publication says the changes centre on the floor, sidepods and parts of the wings. The aim is to generate more downforce in corners without losing efficiency on the straights. [1]
The report’s authors, Paolo Filisetti and Stefan Kerk, assess that slower, twistier circuits have suited the W17 less well than faster sections, where they credit its power unit and energy management. Their account describes what Mercedes hopes to improve, rather than a performance gain already seen on track. [1]
The reported parts are due to make their debut this weekend. Only then will it become clear whether they improve the W17’s cornering without compromising its straight-line performance. [1]
A straighter ramp on the W17’s sidepods now angles towards the rear of the car, while the bodywork drops towards kerb height ahead of the rear wheels. The floor has also been reworked around the diffuser throat, altering pressure distribution at its exit, RacingNews365 reports. [2]
The publication estimates that the sidepod and floor changes could produce nearly four per cent more downforce without increasing drag. [2]
RacingNews365 expects the changes to improve the W17’s balance and traction out of slow corners, where it says the car has lacked downforce and traction. [2]
Mercedes driver George Russell has rejected the suggestion that the team’s latest Formula 1 upgrade could be worth as much as one second. RacingNews365 put the figure to him after extrapolating from an earlier wind-tunnel development estimate it attributed to Mercedes technical director James Allison. Russell’s answer was “No”. [3]
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In comments reported by RacingNews365 on 1 October, Russell called the package a large individual step because of the long gap since Mercedes’ previous upgrade. Across that period, though, he said it represented a normal pace of development. Its main aim is to add downforce rather than fundamentally change the car, while retaining the low drag he believes has helped Mercedes on the straights. [3]
Russell hopes the changes will bring Mercedes closer to the front at circuits he says have proved difficult for the team over the past six races. [3]