Mercedes head to Singapore targeting podiums

As Formula 1 heads into Round 18 in Singapore, Mercedes will be watching closely to see if Russell and Antonelli can spring another double-podium surprise result, this time under the lights at Marina Bay where the W16 could be a handy weapon if it remains cool.

Mercedes arrive at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix P2 in the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship after a solid return to form in Baku. Russell’s consistent points haul has kept the team ahead of Ferrari, while Antonelli has shown glimpses of the speed and racecraft that underline his promise in his first full F1 season.

Team boss Toto Wolff previewed the task ahead: “After a solid weekend in Azerbaijan, we head to Singapore and another street race. Whilst Baku and Marina Bay share that characteristic, the challenge of each is very different. The circuit in Singapore is a tighter, more technical one compared to the higher speed layout in Azerbaijan.”

Wolff underlined the physical demands of racing at Marina Bay: “Perhaps the biggest difference though are the conditions. Despite racing at night, the heat and humidity of Singapore place a high demand on both the car and the drivers. Managing and optimising for that is a key requirement of the weekend.”

Mercedes returned to the podium last time out, but Wolff stressed that consistency will be crucial: “Whilst we were pleased to return to the podium last time out, and move back into second in the Constructors' Championship, we know how competitive the field is at present. We need to ensure we deliver at our maximum each weekend if we are to fight for further positive results.”

The battle with Ferrari, Red Bull and Aston Martin remains fierce, while McLaren continue to dominate at the front. Wolff added: “That is our focus for Singapore and the following six races as we approach the end of the season.”

The Marina Bay Street Circuit first hosted Formula 1 in 2008 as the original night race. In 2023, the layout was shortened from 5.063 km to 4.928 km with the removal of four corners, cutting lap times by around 10 seconds. The current race distance is 62 laps.

Track evolution is among the highest of the year, with lap times improving by up to three seconds between Friday practice and Saturday qualifying. The circuit is bumpy, technical, and places huge strain on brakes, tyres, and fuel consumption, with drivers losing up to 5kg through sweat during the race.

Every Singapore Grand Prix except 2024 has featured at least one Safety Car, while the pit lane, limited to 60 km/h, is the slowest on the calendar. With a time loss of around 25 seconds for a stop, strategy and timing are critical, making qualifying performance and adaptability essential.

Mercedes know McLaren and Red Bull remain the favourites, but Russell and Antonelli have already proved capable of seizing chances when the field is unsettled. With podium form restored in Baku, the team will look to carry that momentum into Singapore and remain in contention as the final six races of the season approach.