F1 | Ferrari at its last resort and the resurrected Mercedes can help it…

It is written Silverstone reads last resort, for a Ferrari necessarily called to win to reverse a trend of six consecutive victories for Red Bull and a partial of seven to two in the championship. Free practice on the iconic and beautiful Anglo-Saxon circuit went smoothly, with two rather interlocutory and far too little indicative sessions, yet Ferrari has good reasons to hint at a shy smile and perhaps along the arduous route it may have found an ally more.

First of all, this circuit with fast corners and a mixed section where traction counts would seem - at least on paper - designed to enhance the grip and handling of the F1-75. Silverstone is a medium-high load track very similar to Barcelona and here Red Bull cannot assert its superiority on the straights as on other tracks. This is why Leclerc and Sainz have shown cautious optimism since the day before.

Secondly, this race also represents a point of no return for the great failed protagonist Mercedes. Brackley has made a huge effort at the factory to bring further innovations to his home GP, in order to give Hamilton and Russell a competitive car in front of their fans.

Updates that at first glance seem to be working, if it is true that Hamilton appeared in good shape on the flying lap, while Russell was told via radio during the second free practice that he was lapping at the race pace of the Reds. The only unknown for the W13 is the usual annoying bouncing, especially in the fastest corners, but it is a phenomenon that was also present in Barcelona, ​​another track however where the Silver Arrow defended itself rather well.

Obviously this Red Bull should not be underestimated as it rarely makes mistakes. Very fast in Imola, Miami, lucky in Baku, perfect in strategy in Monte Carlo and enhanced by the talent of Verstappen in Canada, the Bibitara team dominates in numbers a world championship that is evidently just waiting to be reopened. Nonetheless, the excellent RB18 did not appear in optimal shape at Silverstone, much more nervous than usual, with the drivers turning their noses up a bit.

But to truly reopen this championship, Ferrari must bring its drivers as high as possible, taking advantage of the hunger of Leclerc, who has seen too many races slip away this year after beautiful poles, and the newfound speed of Sainz, already before Canada appeared much more familiar with his beast number 55.

The objective is to take advantage of a friendly track to keep behind the Red Bull and that Verstappen who is so hardened that he almost always manages to come out on top (already six victories this season out of nine GPs). If Mercedes then shines again thanks to the update work, it could be an unexpected ally. Who would have thought…

Antonino Rendina

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