Hamilton and Bottas expecting lack of track time to make it exciting in Germany

"It's disappointing to miss out on days like this, although we probably wouldn't have got much running in anyway because we're limited on tyres and it looks like it's going to stay like this for the weekend," said Hamilton in conversation with Mercedes at the end of a free Friday. "But I'd have loved to have just done an installation lap. Everyone is in the same boat though."

According to the six-time world champion, there is something positive about the fact that no one could go out for laps. "This kind of situation, with less practice, definitely makes the weekend more challenging and exciting, especially if it stays wet for Qualifying and the race. So, I look forward to that," he added.

Bottas is looking forward to a challenge

Bottas reacted soberly to the fact that he could not get into the car during the first day of the Eifel Grand Prix. "We've had these kind of days in the past, so it can happen and you just can't change the weather. Hopefully the next few days are better because I could see the fans out there today waiting around in the cold, so fingers crossed we'll have some action for them to watch."

The Finn admitted Mercedes will have to adjust the programme now that there is three hours less track time. "Looking ahead to tomorrow, we need to be really efficient in practice three because the plan has completely changed. We need to really make the most out of it, to get the information we need on both the short and long runs. It's a good challenge for both us as a team, and also us drivers because we need to be really quick and efficient on picking up details. It will make the weekend very exciting," said the Finn.