F1
Jake Michaels 6y

German Grand Prix preview: Can Mercedes get its season back on track?

Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel extended his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to eight points after claiming an action-packed British Grand Prix. Next up is the German's home race as Formula One returns to Hockenheim.

Focus on... Just how ruffled is Mercedes?

For the first time since the beginning of 2013, Mercedes finds itself in an uncomfortable position.

In the space of eight days the Silver Arrows suffered a double mechanical retirement for the first time since 1955, witnessed Lewis Hamilton's dominant streak at Silverstone come to an end, had emotions boil over in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix and ultimately been helpless as Ferrari leapfrogged them in both world championships.

Mercedes brought a significant engine update to last month's French Grand Prix -- after relatively poor outings in Monaco and Canada -- and it paid immediate dividends as Hamilton scored a comfortable lights-to-flag win. But in the two races that have followed, it's been a different story with Mercedes being unable to capitalise on back-to-back pole positions and showing the first real signs of weakness in the V6 turbo era when team boss Toto Wolff suggested Kimi Raikkonen intentionally made contact with Hamilton on the opening lap in Great Britain.

But perhaps the biggest difference this year compared to the past four has been Mercedes' inability to win at racetracks where they clearly have the fastest car. It's just another sign that things have started to unravel for the four-time constructors' champions, who in truth haven't been pushed to a single one of those crowns.

Has the pecking order finally changed? Possibly, but it might still be a little early to say so with confidence. One thing is certain, though, and that is Mercedes must rediscover that winning feeling sooner rather than later or it could prove costly.

In need of a win? Mercedes

The very fact it's Mercedes who are in need of a win not only highlights how tight the championship battle is but also how far Formula One has come. 

It wasn't that long ago we were witnessing the Silver Arrows coast to one-twos just about every second week, something which is no longer the case as Ferrari -- and to an extent Red Bull -- have considerably closed the gap.

Hamilton may have taken a dominant victory in France last month but it's the only positive to come out of an ordinary five race stretch for Mercedes. In fact, the five race span from Monaco to Great Britain is the first time in the V6 turbo era that Mercedes has gone five grands prix with just one win.

With that said, the pressure is firmly on Mercedes to find something at the Hockenheimring - a circuit where they've collected the winners' trophy on the last two outings. Another win for Ferrari and there might be even more panic inside the Mercedes garage.

In need of points? Carlos Sainz

Formula One's inaugural back-to-back-to-back wasn't so kind to Renault's Carlos Sainz who managed to score just four championship points across the French, Austrian and Great Britain race weekends.

His P8 at Paul Ricard was followed by some misfortune in Austria as Vettel appeared to block him during qualifying but he still went backwards in the race to finish P12 before having a high-speed collision with Romain Grosjean last time out in Silverstone.

The Spaniard was one of only three drivers to finish the first eight races inside the top 11 and after a slow start against experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg in qualifying has bounced back to out-qualify the German 4-2 in the past six races.

Hulkenberg currently leads Sainz 42-28 this season in the championship standings so it's critical he begins to close that gap before the summer break.

Tyre talk

Available compounds: Medium, Soft and Ultra-soft

Pirelli's pointers:

  • With medium, soft and ultra-soft tyres nominated, there's another 'step' in the selection. This combination was last used in China, contributing to an exciting strategic battle and enthralling race.

  • As Hockenheim mainly consists of slow to medium speed corners connected by straights, it's all about traction and braking - and looking after the rear tyres is particularly important.

  • The track surface is quite smooth, so heavy wear or degradation is not expected. However, overtaking is reasonably tricky, so pit stop strategy could make an important difference.

Minimum starting pressures: Front 21.5psi, rear 20psi

Weather forecast

It's been a warm week in Germany and the mercury is set to rise even higher this weekend. However, a cool change is expected to sweep through the Hockenheim region on Saturday morning with cooler temperatures and even rain very possible.

Perhaps this could this be the first wet race of 2018. Either that or a wet qualifying to mix up the grid.

Betting

No surprises to see Hamilton and Vettel again dominating betting markets with bookmakers, although this time it's the German who has the slight edge. A Vettel win is paying 6/4 while if Hamilton gets up they will pay out at 13/8.

If you think the weekend will be dominated by either Ferrari or Mercedes why not take a look at some of the double podium finish markets? For Ferrari to score a third consecutive double podium finish you could earn 13/10 and 13/8 if it's Mercedes who accomplish the feat.

ESPN's prediction

After Vettel spoiled Hamilton's home race in Britain, expect the favour to be returned in Germany.

Winner: Lewis Hamilton

Bonus prediction: Max Verstappen to pull off a memorable overtake in the final sector

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