Mercedes brings upgraded engine to Canada

The German car manufacturer has been alone in electing to stick with the same power unit since the start of the F1 season for all its cars.

The only change that has taken place was for Williams driver George Russell, who needed a new energy store and control electronics following his drain cover incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Rival manufacturers Renault, Ferrari and Honda have all introduced upgrades at various points this season, for both reliability and performance reasons.

With the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve being a power-sensitive circuit, and Mercedes aware that it is behind Ferrari in straightline speed terms, the venue is a logical one for a power upgrade to be introduced.

Mercedes, Williams and Racing Point will all be switching to the new power unit here.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said his team would likely have more of a struggle in Canada than it has had at recent venues.

“In the past six races, we were very strong in the corners but lost time on the straights,” he said. 

“This will make Canada a huge challenge for us as the track characteristics could favour our opponents - there are many long straights, and fewer corners in which to make up laptime."