Mercedes introduces major aerodynamic update amid questions on effectiveness
Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 11:30 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Mercedes has launched a considerable aerodynamic update package at a Formula 1 circuit not visited since 2017. This upgrade has been implemented on both cars, limiting the team's ability to conduct back-to-back assessments under similar conditions. As a result, the efficacy of the changes remains uncertain. The situation raises questions about whether the update has achieved its intended goals. Further assessments of the update's performance are expected as the race weekend progresses.
- •Mercedes introduces significant aerodynamic updates at 2026 event.
- •Both cars run the new package without back-to-back testing.
- •Circuit last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017.
- •Uncertainty surrounding the upgrades complicates performance evaluations.
- 11:30 AMAutosport — Why Mercedes' upgrade is still a "big question mark"
"The Mercedes team has taken a big swing by introducing a substantial aerodynamic update package at a circuit Formula 1 hasn't visited since 2017. Has it missed? Probably not – but, because the upgrade is a major one, Mercedes has committed to it on both cars so it has been unable to run back-to-back comparisons between old and new in identical conditions. This has added to the challenges of ...Keep reading
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