Formula 1 world championship leader Max Verstappen says he does not expect the Italian Grand Prix to be a “straightforward” race despite starting on pole with his main rivals down the order.
Valtteri Bottas has admitted that it’s “annoying” to be starting from the back of the grid for Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix after enjoying his strongest weekend of the season to date.
Lewis Hamilton doubts he will be able to challenge Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen in the Italian Grand Prix, predicting the Red Bull driver will have an “easy” win.
Lewis Hamilton was fastest in second practice for the Italian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes Formula 1 teammate Valtteri Bottas, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz crashed heavily.
Toto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes will use team orders if necessary to boost Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 title bid during the Italian Grand Prix sprint race.
Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn says the sport is considering making alternations to its current sprint race format for 2022, suggesting a “standalone” race separate to the main grand prix.
Mercedes will need to “calibrate” George Russell in the “right way” to prepare him for the challenge of going up against seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Valtteri Bottas pipped Mercedes Formula 1 teammate Lewis Hamilton to top qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix and head the field for Saturday’s sprint race.
Mercedes has fitted a completely new power unit on Valtteri Bottas’ Formula 1 car, consigning him to a back-of-the-grid start for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.
Toto Wolff says Mercedes has not yet come to a “conclusion” whether to move onto a fourth power unit and take a grid penalty at this weekend’s Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.