# Mercedes Upgrade Confusion

> Mercedes' F1 upgrade struggles with Sepang's rough track.
- Title: Mercedes Upgrade Confusion · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Mercedes' F1 upgrade struggles with Sepang's rough track. Mercedes' new W17 package underperforms at Sepang due to track conditions, leaving the team…
- Keywords: mercedes, w17, sepang, bahrain gp, pirelli c4, kimi antonelli, george russell, toto wolff, f1 bahrain gp, sports, cars, Upgrade
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/why-mercedes-upgrade-is-still-a-big-question-mark/10861516
- Author: Stuart Codling
- Published: 2026-10-03T11:30:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mercedes, f1, w17, sepang, bahrain gp, pirelli c4, kimi antonelli, george russell, toto wolff, f1 bahrain gp, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes' new W17 package underperforms at Sepang due to track conditions, leaving the team uncertain about its effectiveness.