Eifel Grand Prix: The Prospects for the Race
Several questions arise before the return of a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the Nürburgring track this Sunday. Let's take a few moments to discuss the hot topics of the Eifel Grand Prix and review the possible strategies.
Under a timid sun at the Nürburgring, we experienced another Saturday full of twists and turns! A pole position for Valtteri Bottas in qualifying, leaving Hamilton three-tenths behind, an unexpected return of Hülkenberg for a home Grand Prix, and a strong performance from Charles Leclerc who will start on the second row next to Verstappen. Sunday’s race promises to be thrilling despite the chilly climate above the Eifel hills.
The turning point in the drivers’ title duel between Hamilton and Bottas?
After a major disappointment at the Russian Grand Prix for Hamilton, his teammate managed to recover mentally. The proof is in the qualifying session of the Eifel Grand Prix, where Bottas set a time of 1:25.269, three-tenths ahead of Hamilton: an eternity for a Q3 duel!
More than the perfect lap achieved by Bottas setting the record in all three sectors, it’s especially the mindset of the British driver that is surprising. Signs of doubt are beginning to settle in with the six-time world champion, who has stated that the Red Bulls might be faster.
Hamilton: It’s going to be hard to beat these two guys (Bottas and Verstappen – Ed.).
Ferrari back at the forefront?
If for Sebastian Vettel the 2020 season no longer holds any stakes, for Charles Leclerc the effort might pay off! Scuderia Ferrari has taken a step in the right direction this weekend. Since the third free practice session this Saturday morning, the first with timings, Leclerc set a lap in 1:26.681, just 0.4 seconds behind poleman Bottas.
« From the morning, we were competitive, which surprised me because we expected to struggle with the cold weather » stated Charles Leclerc after the qualifying session. This performance, the Monegasque owes to his dedication and change in approach!
Leclerc: « I am pushing hard every lap from free practice 1 to the race: it allows me to adapt to the car’s balance. »
What can Nico Hülkenberg hope for from his last place on the grid for a home Grand Prix?
Called in urgently after Stroll’s withdrawal, Nico Hülkenberg went in blind with a car whose settings he hadn’t tested. Although he was eliminated in Q1, he has a car with strong potential, as Mexican Sergio Perez managed to reach Q3 with a 9th place.
For the German, all is not yet lost, given the lack of visibility the drivers have on the behavior of the cars during long stints and the graining issues observed this Saturday.
On a narrow track at the Nürburgring, a safety car deployment could shake things up, as it did at the Italian Grand Prix in early September. Needless to say, Hülkenberg could score points for Racing Point and further demonstrate his potential for a possible seat in the coming seasons.
Hülkenberg: « I was having my coffee when they called me… I got in my car and headed straight to the track! »
The weather to nurture the spectacle at the Nürburgring?
The Nürburgring track is not the most conducive to overtaking, but the weather conditions could provide a spectacle on this circuit. The FIA has prepared for all eventualities by setting up a replacement system for the medical helicopter in case fog prevents its takeoff. The drivers expect conditions similar to those on Friday when the practice sessions were canceled.
Albon: « I’m a bit apprehensive: Sunday’s weather should be similar to Friday’s. »
In any case, join us this Sunday at 2:10 PM (French time) on Canal+ or for free on YouTube in 7 European countries (Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland). The race summary to follow as usual on Motors Inside!
