Mercedes decides which driver will take major F1 downgrade at Singapore GP

Mercedes has officially split its car specifications for the Singapore Grand Prix, assigning George Russell to an older aerodynamic package while Kimi Antonelli retains the newer upgrade. Team principal Toto Wolff previously confirmed the plan to run a split-specification comparison test to troubleshoot aerodynamic issues. Photos from the paddock showed mechanics preparing distinct vehicle floors side by side ahead of the sprint weekend.

Russell was selected to run the downgraded specification partly because he already faces a mandatory grid penalty following a power unit failure at the previous race in Malaysia. With Russell already set to start near the back of the grid on the tight Marina Bay Street Circuit, Mercedes will use his car to collect comparative aerodynamic data while protecting Antonelli's championship campaign.