Mercedes’ major package has not yet delivered the hoped-for gain

Mercedes finally put its major Sepang package on track, but the first verdict is mixed. George Russell finished FP2 seventh and Kimi Antonelli eighth after both drivers failed to maximise their soft-tyre laps.

Andrew Shovlin is more concerned by the long-run pace. The W17s suffered more tyre overheating than expected on a very abrasive surface in intense heat. The package is not disproven, but its first Friday did not produce the step Mercedes hoped for.

Mercedes still has FP3 to refine the set-up. Sepang remains the ideal circuit to assess the new parts, with its long high-speed corners and high downforce demand.