Why splitting car specs is a 'no-brainer' for Mercedes

Mercedes will run two different car configurations at the Singapore Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli keeping the latest upgrade package and George Russell reverting to the previous specification. The team aims to gather definitive comparative data after the performance benefits of the new parts remained inconclusive following last weekend's race in Sepang. Russell, who faces a grid penalty due to a power unit failure in Malaysia, initiated the idea for a back-to-back test. While fluctuations in track characteristics and extreme conditions in Sepang made it difficult to fully evaluate the updates, Mercedes hopes Singapore's cooler temperatures and smoother asphalt will provide a clearer picture.