What Mercedes will turn up at COTA: the fast one or the other one?

The question now: can they replicate that pace on a very different track, which Circuit of the Americas (COTA) most certainly is, or will the Mercedes W16 revert to its performances seen earlier in the season?

George Russell’s win under the lights of Marina Bay, backed by Kimi Antonelli’s solid fifth place, gave Mercedes their second-biggest points haul of the season. The 35 they scored only bettered by the 40 banked in Canada.

Team boss Toto Wolff believes that the result was no fluke and is eager to see whether the team’s recent progress translates to Austin’s fast, flowing layout: “We come off the back of a strong result in Singapore, taking victory with George and P5 for Kimi. Not only was that unexpected, our level of performance across Saturday and Sunday showed it was no fluke.

"That has been the story of the season somewhat, where it isn’t clear which team will be leading the way from weekend to weekend. We were also good in Azerbaijan, so we are curious to see if we can maintain the step we have made with the W16 into this next run of races across the Americas," added Wolff.

Mercedes have historically enjoyed great success at COTA, taking five wins since the circuit joined the calendar in 2012. However, Wolff acknowledges that Austin presents a different kind of challenge compared to the street circuits where Mercedes recently excelled.

“They are very different layouts and challenges to those two street circuits, so we are heading a little into the unknown," reckoned Wolff in the team preview of COTA. "But that unpredictability is what makes our sport so enjoyable. Austin has become an iconic F1 venue with a large and passionate crowd and a fantastic city playing host.

"The Circuit of the Americas, with its elevation changes, spectacular first turn, and mix of high-speed corners and slower traction zones, is a real test. Adding to that challenge is the fourth Sprint weekend of the year. That creates extra jeopardy but also more opportunity if we can get the W16 into a good place quickly," added the Austrian 53-year-old.

This weekend’s race also coincides with a major milestone for Mercedes-Benz, as the manufacturer celebrates its 500th Grand Prix as the official F1 Safety Car supplier.

Wolff noted that the milestone reflects the company’s long-term commitment to motorsport innovation and safety: “We are delighted to celebrate 500 races of the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car this weekend. This milestone is a testament to the company’s commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport, and the longevity, technical innovation, and beauty of our cars.”

With the W16’s pace fluctuating between brilliance and frustration, all eyes will be on Austin to see which Mercedes turns up this weekend: The Fast One, or The Other One!