Mercedes confirmed that both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will use the newest spec car at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
After a shaky debut of the long‑awaited aero package in Malaysia, only Antonelli tried the upgrades in Singapore, while Russell reverted to the pre‑Sepang spec due to his grid penalty, allowing a direct comparison.
Antonelli started the Singapore sprint on the back foot but grew stronger, ultimately finishing third, prompting Wolff to hint that both cars could run the new spec in Austin.
Wolff has now officially endorsed that plan in the team’s preview, noting Antonelli could still clinch the title.
“Malaysia and Singapore were tough weekends; we’ve worked hard to pinpoint our shortcomings,” Wolff said.
“Austin gives us a chance to answer. We’ll run our latest update on both cars as development continues,” he added.
“The field is razor‑thin, so we must keep pushing if we want to fight at the front in the season’s final stretch,” Wolff warned.
Even without contesting wins in Malaysia or Singapore, where Max Verstappen claimed back‑to‑back victories, Mercedes still sits on track for a double championship with six races remaining.
Antonelli could seal his first Drivers’ Championship as early as Sunday if he wins, Russell finishes outside the top eight, and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is not in the top four.
Mercedes leads Ferrari by 134 points in the Constructors’ standings, putting the Silver Arrows in a title‑winning position as soon as next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Wolff says the team will keep taking things step by step. For my money, Mercedes’ steady approach will pay off.
The United States Grand Prix kicks off another demanding triple‑header, Wolff added.
There’s a lot at stake, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves. The focus is this weekend: execute, maximise performance, and treat each race on its own.
In Austin, Mercedes will debut a refreshed livery for the second time in three races, adding blue to the W17 to highlight the MANUFAKTUR personalization programme.
Thursday October 22
6.25pm: F1 Academy Practice
8pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
10.30pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
11.10pm: Paddock Uncut
Friday October 23
6pm: United States Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)*
8pm: The F1 Show
9.45pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)*
11.50pm: F1 Academy Race 1*
Saturday October 24
6.15pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
8.30pm: United States Grand Prix Qualifying build-up*
10pm: UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
12am: F1 Academy Race 2*
12.45am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday October 25
5pm: F1 Academy Race 3
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: United States GP build-up*
8pm: THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: United States GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook