Mercedes is set to shake things up at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix with a bold W16 development test that could change the course of their season. Drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will be rolling back to a previous-specification rear suspension in a strategic move to pinpoint where they might have gone wrong in recent races.
Despite Russell’s recent win at the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes has been struggling since the Spanish Grand Prix, falling to third place in the Constructors’ Championship behind Ferrari. The team is now facing a crucial juncture as they try to understand the reasons behind their performance dip.
With new rules on the horizon for the 2026 season, teams are focusing on maximizing their current performance to finish the season strong. Mercedes, in particular, is looking to address issues with rear stability and overall car compliance that have been plaguing their recent races.
Both Antonelli and Russell have voiced concerns about the car’s handling, with Russell highlighting the challenges they’ve faced in driving the less compliant W16. The decision to revert to an old suspension setup is a strategic move to regain confidence and improve performance on the track.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, has hinted at potential changes to the car setup for the Hungarian Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of solving the performance mystery to secure a higher position in the Constructors’ Championship.
As Mercedes gears up for a crucial test in Hungary, all eyes will be on the team to see if the bold W16 development test will be the key to turning their season around. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling development in the world of Formula 1.
