Mercedes sets hope on beating Perez: 'That's our best chance'

The Circuit of the Americas is a track where Mercedes and especially Lewis Hamilton have always been very strong since the introduction of the hybrid engines. On Friday morning it looked as if they would be able to deal a blow to Verstappen and Red Bull.

"We had pretty high expectations after FP1. During FP2 it was more of a struggle and it has actually stayed that way since. It wasn't easy," Mercedes' James Allison told Sky Sports. He continued: "We drove a very similar set-up in qualifying to the one we used in the first free practice, after trying different things first. So it has more to do with Red Bull's strong development this weekend."

Hamilton needs to close gap with Perez

Mercedes were a second quicker than Verstappen in the first free practice session, a gap you would not normally expect to close in a weekend. Now Mercedes will have to strike during the race. With Sergio Perez in third place, however, that won't be easy.

"The tyres are going to determine the race tomorrow. The car that manages to keep the rear tyres intact and can do a two-stop will have the winning strategy. Our best chance is to get a gap to the Red Bull behind us quickly, because that gives us strategic options," said Allison.