Mercedes introduced a major aerodynamic update for the W17 at Sepang, a track not visited since 2017. The package includes a new floor, revised sidepods, and redesigned cooling architecture. Because the upgrade was applied to both cars, no back-to-back comparison was possible, making it difficult to assess its impact.
Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth after a Q2 track-limits violation forced him to use an extra tyre set, leaving only one run in Q3. George Russell was eighth, though both drivers gained a spot due to Isack Hadjar’s engine penalty. Russell called the upgrade’s performance a “big question mark,” noting the challenge of evaluating it without direct comparison.
Team boss Toto Wolff said the car showed unexpected behaviour in qualifying, particularly on the abrasive surface. Antonelli topped FP3 but struggled in Q3, with the team citing excessive drag and understeer. The W17’s poor adaptation to Sepang’s rough asphalt remains puzzling, especially given the lack of baseline data from the previous specification.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing