Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that Mercedes is introducing a major upgrade package for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, targeting reliability rather than performance.
The German manufacturer has been left frustrated by numerous battery failures across the opening seven rounds, with all Mercedes-powered teams suffering from similar issues.
Antonelli had overtaken George Russell for second in Barcelona in the closing laps before pulling to the side of the circuit and retiring moments later following a battery failure of his own.
Russell suffered a similar retirement while leading in Canada, while McLaren's Lando Norris has also failed to finish races due to problems with Mercedes' battery.
It has already cost Mercedes significant points this season. However, in a bid to solve the issues, an upgraded battery will be introduced at the Red Bull Ring.
According to Antonelli, the new Energy Recovery System (ERS) pack is designed to improve reliability and durability, and he will use it in Austria.
Asked what the team has told him about the battery failures, Antonelli told select media, including RacingNews365: "I don't think it's always been related to a temperature issue, but this weekend we have a new ERS pack with updates to improve the durability and reliability of the package.
"Hopefully, you know, the team has been working super hard because we've definitely been suffering from this kind of issue quite often.
"This first big update isn't really about performance; it's all about trying to make sure these issues don't happen again. But I'm sure the team is finding a way, and I think it's a good step forward."
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