Mercedes concern over hot weather forecast

Mark Scott
Ross Brawn doesn't think Austria was a "crisis weekend" for Mercedes.

Ross Brawn doesn't think Austria was a "crisis weekend" for Mercedes.

Mercedes will be remaining “vigilant” throughout the German Grand Prix with high forecasted temperatures threatening their chances of success.

Mercedes’ package in Austria became “unraceable” as temperatures soared at the Red Bull Ring, which allowed Ferrari and Red Bull to take a rare centre stage moment this season.

Trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, revealed after the Austria blip that the Mercedes W10 does not have big enough radiators as the team were “optimistic” in how much they could extract from the cooling system.

With more high temperatures to deal with this weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is wary of the fact that it could spell trouble for the Silver Arrows at their home race.

“While there is much happening off track, our primary focus remains our on-track performance,” Wolff said in Mercedes’ official team preview, referencing the plan to run a special livery at the German Grand Prix.

“The weather forecast predicts high temperatures, which were extremely challenging for us in Austria, so we must stay vigilant.

“Like Spielberg, Hockenheim is also a relatively short circuit, which will close the gaps between different teams. We will stay humble and work hard to achieve the best possible result.”

BBC weatherman, Ian Fergusson, believes the temperatures will cool over the weekend, but there is also a chance of rain for both qualifying and the race.

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