BRACKLEY — Mercedes have revealed that their pitcrew were forced to utilise personnel who had not performed a live Formula 1 pitstop in 15 years during the Singapore Grand Prix. The adjustments were necessitated by injuries within the squad during the final leg of a demanding triple-header that included races in Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Despite the personnel changes, Mercedes delivered the fastest pitstop for the second consecutive weekend. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord praised the team's ability to maintain high operational standards under extreme conditions, noting the humidity and temperature challenges faced in the garage. "We had people in the pitcrew who hadn't done a live pitstop for 15 years, who were subbed in because of injuries and things like that – we were the quickest team through the pitlane," Lord told the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show.
Mercedes have now recorded the fastest tyre change in eight of the 17 grands prix held this season. While the team currently holds a 134-point lead in the constructors' standings, Lord emphasised that the focus remains on maintaining performance through the final stretch of the 23-round 2026 season. "There's a healthy advantage, but absolutely nothing is done and dusted, and we just need to focus on getting both cars to the finish as high up as possible," he added.