Hamilton: “Tire degradation will require a lot of analysis”

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) uses wooden language like no one else. The Briton, despite an anthology success at Silverstone the previous week confirmed by the best time in Free Practice 2 this Friday, August 7, remains on guard for the rest of the Grand Prix of the 70th anniversary of the F1.

“It was a good day. We made adjustments to the set-up compared to last weekend, which allowed us to gain thousandths of a second here and there. As for the tires, their compound was really very soft but they held up well. »

The tires supplied by Pirelli will undoubtedly be a hot topic of this event. “The soft and medium tires are almost identical. The softest tire overheats slightly at the end of the lap, while the medium constantly gives the same level of grip and even proves to be a little more efficient in the final turns of sector 3 », continues the championship leader.

The only threat likely to worry Lewis Hamilton is called Valtteri Bottas. The Finn, author of the best time in the morning, “going to be strong this weekend” according to the six-time world champion. But he admits (or claims) not to have dissected the results of the tests.

“I don’t pay much attention to that during the sessions. I'm more worried about my settings, finding the right balance of the car. I have no idea where the other drivers are at. »

The prospect of doubling the stake on his land finally galvanizes the wearer of number 44. “Properly controlling tire degradation will require a lot of analysis and effort in order to stay at the forefront. It would be a huge achievement to string together two wins at Silverstone, but there is still a lot of work to do before Sunday. »

One thing is certain : Toto wolff will not compete for the track record with its two drivers with this electric scooter. 

Toto had DRS there, it was a simple overtake in the end #F170 #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/jPCXBoqMcN

- Formula 1 (@ F1) August 7