F1 News
PREVIEW: German Grand Prix – Start time, odds and predictions
It’s the penultimate race of the first half of the Formula 1 season before the summer break. Racing returns yet again to the Hockenheimring for the German Grand Prix where Mercedes will be looking to succeed at their home race. Or will Ferrari/Red Bull spoil the fun?!
Flashback
The German GP last year was a real turning point for both the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors Championship. Ferrari had the edge over Mercedes in both with Sebastian Vettel leading Lewis Hamilton by eight points and the Scuderia ahead of the Silver Arrows by 20 points. Vettel was on pole and easily in control of the race until some light rain came into play late on in the race. On lap 52, going into turn 12, Vettel lock his rear brakes and crashed his car into the barrier, losing him the potential win.
The crash caused a safety car to recover the Ferrari which led to Valtteri Bottas pitting in the lead for tyres. The pit crew weren’t ready and Bottas was stranded for a while. The same lap Hamilton was meant to pit but last second didn’t, cutting across the grass back onto track and then going on to win. Hamilton was called to the stewards’ office afterwards and was reprimanded for the violation but allowed to keep his win.
Predictions
Mercedes will be hoping that they can impress in front of their home crowd with a new chassis upgrade and feeling confident after yet another one-two finish at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix but could encounter some trouble with the heat as they did in Austria.
Ferrari again will be looking to close the gap to the Silver Arrows and no doubt that Vettel will be pumped up for his home crowd, especially to redeem himself from last year’s retirement. Charles Leclerc could upset Mercedes with the pace he’s shown in qualifying.
Red Bull, and specifically Max Verstappen, took advantage of the heat in Austria that looks to appear again this weekend and will be hoping to do the same around the Hockenheimring.
The midfield battles look to be spicing up as Renault and McLaren go wheel to wheel with each other for the ‘best of the rest’ positions, with Alfa Romeo, Haas and Toro Rosso a factor.
What time is it on? (UK BST)
Friday, July 26
FP1: 10:00-11:30
FP2: 14:00-15:30
Saturday, July 27
FP3: 11-12:00
Qualifying: 14-15:00
Sunday, July 28
Race: 14:10-16:10
Betting Odds
German Grand Prix Winner (via SportPesa UK)
Lewis Hamilton – 4/7
Valtteri Bottas – 12/5
Charles Leclerc - 17/2
Max Verstappen – 19/2
Sebastian Vettel - 10/1
