Verstappen surprised by Mercedes: 'They have made the move and are constant'

F1 News

max verstappen surprised by speed mercedesverst
7 July at 07:35
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  • Ludo van Denderen

With fourth on the grid, Max Verstappen will have his opportunity to still drive to a win in the British Grand Prix. With a new floor - after the Red Bull Racing driver damaged the original floor during qualifying - the Dutchman is confident of beating the British trio of George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

"Even the people around me, we're all very close in pace, I guess." Verstappen said. "Actually, I do think that McLaren is always very quick in the race, looking after their tyres. But I hope that we can be in that mix and make it difficult."

Mercedes have moved into the lead

There is a real chance that a rain race awaits the drivers - or at least a wet one. When it is wet, Verstappen usually feels like the proverbial fish out of water. In such conditions, the Red Bull driver seems the favourite for victory. "We know that McLaren has been quick everywhere, in all temperatures and all circuits, but I'm surprised Mercedes have made this step and been consistent now for a few weeks. And it seems like this weekend they really just hit the ground running and were quick every single session"

A week ago in Austria, Mercedes even managed to take victory - although with the clash between Norris and Verstappen, it took luck to do so. At Silverstone, the German team were the best purely on speed and, as a result, Mercedes have the entire front row of the grid later this Sunday.