Russell says Mercedes needs more time with new F1 package

After Saturday qualifying in Singapore, George Russell said Mercedes needed “more time” with its new F1 package.

Mercedes is running two specifications in Singapore: Russell has used the older version, while teammate Kimi Antonelli continues with the new package. The team has data from both but is still searching for a consistent read on performance.

Russell said it was positive to see Antonelli more competitive on Saturday than during Friday practice, but Mercedes remained dissatisfied with the new package. The team needed adjustments to compensate for the changes, he said, though it might still find a way to make the package work and be fast.

Russell qualified sixth and Antonelli fourth. A power-unit change outside Russell's allocated pool will send him to the rear for Sunday's race.

Marina Bay is not known for easy overtaking. Russell hopes to score points from the back, but called the task very challenging and said he did not know how far he could get.