F1 News

Mercedes relief: 'They've taken a bit of a battering from Red Bull'

Mercedes relief: 'They've taken a bit of a battering from Red Bull'

16-07-2021 20:33 Last update: 22:02

Over the last two months, Red Bull Racing have been dominant. Verstappen has won four out of five races, with Sergio Perez winning the other race in Azerbaijan. Former World Champion Damion Hill sees some relief in the Mercedes camp after Lewis Hamilton's P1 in qualifying for the sprint race at the British Grand Prix

Hamilton and Bottas have been working hard to find improvements in the car over the last few weeks, including several rare appearances in the simulator for the seven-time World Champion. The Brit even sat in the simulator earlier today [Friday]. 

Motivation would've dropped after Verstappen went nearly a second faster in the first free practice session. But Hill sees this as a mistake from the Dutchman. Nevertheless, Hill sees the building work from Hamilton. 

"They have taken a bit of a battering from Red Bull. I think this is the first chink of light. it's classic lewis, he has been building and building. We talked about how max had gone out to put a quick one in, was he trying to demoralise them? Maybe, he over showed his hand and got too complacent perhaps," Hill told Sky Sports

Strong result for Mercedes

With the change of format, the maximum number of points available to a driver this weekend is 29. Jenson Button believes Mercedes need them all. 

"They need them all. it's fantastic for the team and Hamilton. You could really hear the excitement in his voice, the crowd went wild. The most exciting Friday we've all had for a while," Button said.