From Autosport · Stuart Codling · · 1m 10s
Mercedes Upgrade Confusion
Mercedes' F1 upgrade struggles with Sepang's rough track.
In brief
Mercedes' F1 upgrade struggles with Sepang's rough track. Mercedes' new W17 package underperforms at Sepang due to track conditions, leaving the team uncertain about its effectiveness. Originally reported by Autosport.
Mercedes' major F1 update
Mercedes introduced a substantial aerodynamic upgrade package at Sepang, a circuit Formula 1 hasn't visited since 2017.
Qualifying struggles
Kimi Antonelli set fourth-fastest time after a track-limits violation in Q2, leaving him with one Pirelli C4 soft tyre for Q3.
Team uncertainty
Mercedes has yet to run back-to-back comparisons between old and new cars due to the major upgrade package.
W17 changes
The W17 features a new floor, major leading edge revisions, diffuser updates, and a redesigned sidepod profile.
Track conditions
Sepang's abrasive asphalt surface causes significant understeer and drag, especially on straights.
Team boss comments
Toto Wolff said the team has seen car behaviour they haven't experienced all year due to Sepang's rough tarmac.
Qualifying impact
George Russell was eighth fastest despite the upgrade, with qualifying times seven years ago being six or seven seconds faster.
The big picture
Mercedes' new W17 package underperforms at Sepang due to track conditions, leaving the team uncertain about its effectiveness.
