P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes wasn’t sure how much difference its first big F1 2026 upgrade made. Here are Gary Anderson’s thoughts on it
Mercedes’ decision to introduce its first major upgrade package of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Montreal was bold, considering the competitiveness of the races last year and their early-season dominance. However, the upgrade faced uncertainties in performance gains.
The team’s front row lockouts and two wins were not without challenges, with George Russell winning the sprint and Kimi Antonelli clinching the grand prix after Russell’s retirement.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed doubts about the upgrade’s impact on their expected performance, especially in lieu of the unique sprint weekend format and circuit familiarity.
Wolff emphasized the difficulty in evaluating the upgrade’s effectiveness given the nature of the Montreal track and the team’s historical success there, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and analysis.
Detailed analysis of the upgrade revealed significant changes in the front wing assembly, endplate fin, and bargeboard area aimed at improving airflow management and consistency in varying driving conditions.
