# Mercedes Switched Russell to Old Car in Singapore

> Mercedes used George Russell's old F1 car spec in Singapore to test upgrades after Bahrain Grand Prix underperformance.
- Title: Mercedes Switched Russell to Old Car in Singapore · Motorsport
- Summary: Mercedes used George Russell's old F1 car spec in Singapore to test upgrades after Bahrain Grand Prix underperformance. Mercedes switched George Russell to…
- Keywords: mercedes, george russell, singapore gp, bahrain grand prix, formula 1, silver arrow, front wing, cost cap, sprint weekend, sports, cars, Switched
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mercedes-switched-george-russell-to-its-old-f1-car-spec-in-singapore/10865660
- Author: Ben Vinel
- Published: 2026-10-16T14:14:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mercedes, george russell, f1, singapore gp, bahrain grand prix, formula 1, silver arrow, front wing, cost cap, sprint weekend, sports, cars
## Mercedes Switched Russell to Old Car Spec
Mercedes switched George Russell to its previous F1 car specification in Singapore after Bahrain Grand Prix underperformance.
## Cost Cap Drives Testing Strategy
Mercedes used cost cap constraints to run old and new car specs together for real-world learning in Singapore.
## Sepang Performance Issues
Mercedes underperformed at Sepang due to new floor and bodywork package not matching simulation predictions.
## Track Conditions in Singapore
Singapore's track has high temperatures, quick weather changes, and severe tire degradation compared to other circuits.
## Front Wing Test in Singapore
Mercedes tested a new front wing during Singapore's first practice session before reverting to older version.
## Russell's Performance in Singapore
George Russell finished ninth after struggling with the car's balance in Singapore's sprint race.
## Antonelli's Podium Finish
Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured a podium finish to advance his F1 title chances in Singapore.
## Learning Focus for Future Races
Mercedes prioritized rapid learning for Austin Grand Prix using Singapore data to improve car performance.
## Risk of New Wing in Race
Mercedes avoided using the new front wing in qualifying or race due to pitlane damage risks.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes switched George Russell to its previous F1 car specification in Singapore to troubleshoot performance issues after Bahrain Grand Prix.