Kimi Antonelli expressed cautious optimism about the recent upgrades Mercedes introduced to their car, following an improved qualifying performance at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli highlighted that the team is beginning to see the potential benefits of the new package, although he acknowledged that the performance window remains narrow.
During the Singapore weekend, Mercedes ran two different specifications of their car. Antonelli used the upgraded version, while his teammate George Russell reverted to the previous setup. Russell initially qualified better in the Sprint Qualifying but crashed out early in the Sprint race. Antonelli, on the other hand, finished fourth in the Sprint and then outqualified Russell in the main Qualifying session, securing P4. Russell will start from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty.
Antonelli noted that the car felt better with the upgrades, but also mentioned that the vehicle’s behavior varied depending on driving style, which made finding the right balance during qualifying a challenge. Despite this, he expressed hope that the improvements could help Mercedes compete for a podium finish. He will start the race behind Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The qualifying sessions at Singapore demonstrated the fine margins Mercedes is working within as they try to extract more from their car. Antonelli’s feedback underlined the complexity of adapting the upgrades to different driving styles and track conditions. While the improvements have shown promise, the team still faces a tight performance window.
Russell’s crash in the Sprint race and subsequent penalty reshaped the starting grid, placing more emphasis on Antonelli’s position and the potential to capitalize on the upgraded car’s capabilities. The presence of strong competitors like Verstappen and the Ferrari drivers ensures that the race will be a test of how effectively Mercedes can translate qualifying gains into race pace.
Antonelli’s comments reflect a measured but positive outlook on the upgrades, emphasizing that the team is starting to understand the package’s potential rather than claiming definitive progress. This approach aligns with the cautious assessments often seen when teams introduce mid-season updates in Formula 1®.
Overall, the situation at Singapore highlights the ongoing development efforts within Mercedes and the challenges of balancing car behavior with driver preferences. Antonelli’s fourth-place start and optimistic remarks provide insight into the team’s current position as they seek to improve their competitiveness in the championship.