Russell Calls Running Older Spec Car a ‘No‑brainer’ as Mercedes Splits Specs for Singapore GP
Mercedes will field split‑spec versions of the W17 at Singapore, with Russell set to run the previous spec – a move he describes as a ‘no‑brainer’ for the team.
Mercedes has confirmed that it will run split specifications of its 2024 W17 chassis for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. The strategy will see George Russell piloting a car built to the previous specification, while his teammate will use the latest upgrade package. Russell described the decision as a “no‑brainer”, saying the team’s approach maximises performance on the demanding Marina Bay circuit.
According to Motorsport.com, the split‑spec plan is designed to give the team flexibility on a track that heavily rewards aerodynamic efficiency and tyre management. The older spec car, which retains the original floor and rear‑wing configuration, is expected to be more stable in the high‑humidity conditions typical of Singapore, while the newer spec will incorporate the latest aerodynamic updates aimed at improving straight‑line speed.
Yahoo Sports highlighted that the move also allows Mercedes to gather valuable data on both configurations in race conditions, potentially informing the development path for the remainder of the season. The team’s technical director, James Allison, has previously hinted that a dual‑spec approach could be a “game‑changer” if the data shows a clear advantage for one configuration.For Indian fans, the Singapore race will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary tailored for the Indian audience. The session timings are 9:00 pm IST for practice, 11:30 pm IST for qualifying, and a 2:00 am IST start for the race on Sunday, 22 September. Fans can also follow live timing on the official F1 app, which provides real‑time updates on which spec each Mercedes driver is using.
Mercedes’ decision underscores the increasingly tactical nature of car development in the 2024 season, where teams are willing to experiment with split specifications to extract every possible advantage. Russell’s confidence suggests he believes the older spec will be competitive, especially on a circuit where consistency often outweighs outright speed.
Source: Motorsport.com