Russell says Mercedes will hold off major upgrade until Canadian GP

George Russell told RacingNews365 that Mercedes plans to postpone its first major upgrade package until the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, shifting the usual post‑Miami timeline. The British driver highlighted that the team already secured three straight wins — Australia, China and Japan — and feels comfortable extending the development window.

Why it matters:

• Upgrades are normally introduced at the Miami GP, the first race after the early‑season testing window. Delaying them gives Mercedes a points buffer while rivals scramble to catch up.
• The new FIA energy‑efficiency rules have added design complexity, making the timing of major parts introductions a strategic decision.

The details:

• Russell called the opening three races “intense,” with back‑to‑back trips to Australia, China and Japan leaving little time for data analysis.
• A five‑day April break, after the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, gives teams a brief reset before the next round.
• Mercedes will bring a few aero and cooling parts to Montreal, aiming to close any gap and test the new FIA energy regulations.

What's next:

• Mercedes will run the current spec through the next two rounds, gathering more data on the new rules.
• If the Montreal upgrade delivers the expected gains, the team could lock in a dominant position before the summer break.