Hamilton, imperative rebound at home

After having endured a wave Orange on the Austrian lands of Red Bull a few weeks ago, Lewis Hamilton hopes that the country's air will give it some color in a title race where Max Verstappen escaped.

The seven-time world champion arrives at Silverstone with a disbursement of 32 points over his Dutch rival, unheard of in the hybrid era since the 33 points behind his ex-teammate Nico Rosberg on the evening of the GP Japan 2016.

An imperative victory therefore for Hamilton in his English garden where he displays a gala record: 10 podiums in 14 participations, for 7 victories. But in this endeavor of reconquest, will it have equipment capable of competing with the formidable RB16B?

Si Mercedes and Red Bull were neck and neck until the Spanish Grand Prix, the team from Milton Keynes (United Kingdom) took the advantage from Monaco and enters the British GP with a positive dynamic of 5 success in a row.

While the main team Toto wolff had sowed doubt by mentioning the end of the W12 development program a few weeks ago, the Silver Arrow will indeed be launching some new features this weekend.

« It's not a huge development although there are a lot of changes to the car, I hope this will allow us to close the gap, confided Hamilton during the traditional media day.

A lot of work has been done in recent weeks. I hope to find a circuit that suits us better and that bodes well for competing with the Red Bulls ».

In the opposing clan, Verstappen cannot imagine reliving the double walk of the Red Bull Ring, where he came close to being full with 51 points pocketed out of 52 available.

« Mercedes is making changes and if they are satisfactory, the gaps will be narrowed ", declared the Dutchman, who won at Silverstone last year during the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

• Verstappen wants to take inspiration from Italy at Wembley

In the intense fight between the Red Bull driver and Hamilton, the Briton will be able to rely this weekend on the unconditional support of the English public, once again authorized on site, and without the slightest health restriction despite the threat of the Delta variant .

The British GP, which will also mark the debut of the Sprint racing concept, will therefore be sold out with more than 100 fans expected on Sunday.

« The roar of the crowd here is beyond measure, Hamilton further underlined. The excitement of the fans gives you extra energy when it's your home date ».

Asked about the prospect of playing away this weekend, Verstappen was not impressed and intends to draw inspiration from recent history with a view to making it stutter.

« Italy did win the Euro at Wembley, right? » blurted the Red Bull driver with his characteristic touch of effrontery to our colleague from Telegraaf Dutch.

If the suspense reaches the same heights as last Sunday's penalty shootout, we won't complain!