Mercedes adds reshaped sidepods to F1 upgrade

Mercedes is due to bring a substantial car upgrade to the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, with George Russell trying to close a 66-point gap to his team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli after winning in Baku. [1]

Team principal Toto Wolff says both drivers should have equal opportunities to pursue the title, including in strategic decisions, while maintaining that the team comes first. He has raised the possibility of reassessing how Mercedes manages its cars during races as the season progresses, but has not announced a change in driver policy. [1]

Writing in an opinion column for Autosport on 30 September, Motorsport Network F1 correspondent Filip Cleeren argues that, if the upgrade helps Mercedes pull clear of its rivals, Russell and Antonelli could have more room to compete with each other. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen offered a separate, conditional assessment: if the package works and gives Mercedes another step forward, winning will become harder for his team. [1]

Cleeren also points to two Ferrari wins and a strong McLaren performance in Hungary as evidence that Mercedes has faced competition this season. Whether the new package changes that balance — or the way Mercedes manages its drivers — will become clearer only after it runs in Malaysia. [1]

Update

Mercedes have fitted seven updated components to their W17 cars for the race weekend at Sepang, RacingNews365 English reports. The changes cover several areas of the floor, as well as the rear suspension and brake-drum winglets. RacingNews365 describes the package as Mercedes’ largest collection of W17 updates since the Canadian Grand Prix in May. [2]

Kimi Antonelli heads into the race 66 points ahead of team-mate George Russell, while Mercedes lead Ferrari by 160 points in the constructors’ standings. [2]

Update

Autosport reports that Mercedes has added redesigned sidepods to its latest Formula 1 upgrade package. Their rear section now has a ramped profile, replacing the undercut shape the team had used since the start of the season. The package also includes extensive floor revisions.