# Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli car in better place, Russell steps back

> Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli says car 'in a better place' but Russell takes 'step backwards' in Singapore GP.
- Title: Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli car in better place, Russell steps…
- Summary: Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli says car 'in a better place' but Russell takes 'step backwards' in Singapore GP. Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes car shows progress after…
- Keywords: kimi antonelli, george russell, mercedes, singapore gp, sprint race, engine penalty, sports, Mercedes', Kimi, Antonelli, car, better
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/singapore-gp-mercedes-kimi-antonelli-says-car-better-russell-faces-setbacks/article71569408.ece
- Author: Team Sportstar
- Published: 2026-10-10T18:09:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kimi antonelli, george russell, mercedes, singapore gp, f1, sprint race, engine penalty, sports
## Kimi Antonelli's car progress
Kimi Antonelli says Mercedes car is in a better place after Singapore GP qualifying.

> It definitely felt in a better place today, even though the window is very small where the car operates
## Russell's performance drop
George Russell felt his performance went backwards after sprint-race crash.

> Something was a bit odd because we had great pace yesterday, and Kimi’s in a similar position to where he was yesterday
## Points lead
Kimi Antonelli holds 89-point lead over Russell in F1 standings.

> Kimi Antonelli currently holds an 89-point advantage over teammate George Russell
## Race start impact
Russell starts race from back due to engine penalty after crash.

> Russell was sixth quickest in Q3 but is due to start Sunday’s race from the back because of an engine penalty
## Team principal comment
Toto Wolff says team using two test pilots to assess upgrades.

> On Kimi’s side the updates seem to have worked now
## Next race steps
Mercedes aims for podium with Russell facing tough race conditions.

> It’ll be tough racing (tomorrow)
## Key takeaway

Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes car shows progress after Singapore GP qualifying, while Russell faces setbacks due to a crash and engine penalty.