Mercedes test driver Kimi Antonelli says upgrades are finally showing promise after Singapore

Mercedes‑affiliated test driver Kimi Antonelli told Formula1.com that the team is "starting to see the potential" in the aerodynamic upgrades it introduced at the Singapore Grand Prix. Antonelli, who has been working closely with the factory team throughout the Asian swing, said the "better day" the team enjoyed in Singapore – finishing just outside the points in practice and showing a noticeable gain in straight‑line speed – gave him confidence that the package is finally clicking.

The upgrades, first hinted at during the pre‑season testing in Bahrain, consist of a revised front wing endplate, a reshaped rear‑floor diffuser and a new barge‑board configuration aimed at improving airflow to the rear of the car. While the changes were initially met with mixed data, Mercedes engineers have been fine‑tuning the set‑up over the past two weeks. Antonelli noted that the car felt "more stable under braking" and that the rear‑end grip was "significantly better" on the high‑humidity track in Singapore.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been tight‑lipped about the exact performance gains, but the team’s pace in the final practice session – just 0.12 seconds off the pole‑setter – suggests a tangible step forward. The German outfit, which has struggled to match Red Bull’s dominance this season, will be looking to translate the Singapore data into race‑day performance at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

For Indian fans: The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 08:00 IST on Sunday. Mercedes will be hoping to capitalize on the upgrade gains, and Antonelli’s optimism could signal a stronger showing for the team in the Asian leg of the calendar. Keep an eye on the practice timings – the first session kicks off at 03:30 IST, giving Indian viewers a chance to see the car’s early‑day performance before the race.

Source: Formula1.com