Can Mercedes keep up British GP momentum? Watch this weekend’s Austrian GP all live on Sky Sports F1; Qualifying on Friday at 4pm, Sprint on Saturday at 3.30pm and Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday at 2pm
Last Updated: 07/07/22 9:50am
Lewis Hamilton heads to Austria on the back of a third-place finish at the British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton is optimistic Mercedes have reached a “turning point” in their 2022 season, although there are doubts F1’s world champions will be as competitive at this weekend’s Austrian GP as they were at Silverstone.
At the British GP, Mercedes and Hamilton were in contention for a win for the first time this season, with an ill-timed Safety Car eventually denting their hopes. The British driver finished third at his home race.
“I think it’s hugely encouraging that we were in the fight,” said Hamilton. “We had an upgrade and I think the race pace was definitely improved.
“I don’t think we’re in a winning position yet. But we’re not far away.”
Hamilton also told Sky Sports: “We’re on the turning point… we’re still on the bend. Big improvement on the car, but we’ve still got work to do.”
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Lewis Hamilton says that it was great to be back in the fight and could have won the British Grand Prix with a bit more luck.
Next up for Mercedes, who have won a record eight straight constructors’ titles but are a distant third in the title race this year, is the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring, where they have only won one of the last five races.
Red Bull’s home circuit is short but fast and features unique, undulating high-speed straights and corners, and there are doubts whether Mercedes can continue their new-found momentum.
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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was delighted with their improved showing at Silverstone as Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium in front of his home fans.
“We were ‘back in the game’ at Silverstone but that doesn’t mean it will be again [in Austria],” explained team boss Toto Wolff.
“We have had in Barcelona moments of where we saw some light at the end of the tunnel and then the next three street circuits proved that we were wrong, so I don’t want to talk us up, nor be too optimistic at this stage.”
He added: “I think Austria was always a little bit difficult. There’s a few corners that we don’t like.
“It’s a very different track to Silverstone and one that hasn’t always suited us in the past.”
All the action is live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend.
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Ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, we look back at some of the most memorable moments from previous races at the Red Bull Ring.
‘French GP is Mercedes’ next best chance’
Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson
“I must say in Silverstone, it’s the best that the car’s felt this year on the simulator, and the closest it’s felt to last year’s car.
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Anthony Davidson, who has been working with Mercedes to improve their car performance, says the gap to Red Bull and Ferrari is decreasing and additional wind-tunnel time will aide further improvements.
“I did have a strong feeling it would be better than recent races, I thought the track would suit the car, a nice smooth, fast circuit like Silverstone.
“I think the next one like it will be Paul Ricard. Austria? I’m not so sure.
“They’ve traditionally struggled there in the past against the likes of Red Bull. But they’re making in-roads to the top teams.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Austrian GP schedule
Thursday
1.30pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday
12pm: Practice One (session begins 12.30pm)
3.30pm: Qualifying Build-up
4pm: Austrian GP Qualifying
5.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Saturday
11am: Practice Two (session begins 11.30am)
2.30pm: Sprint Build-up
3.30pm: Austrian GP Sprint
Sunday
12.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP Build-up
2pm: The Austrian Grand Prix
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP Reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
F1 2022 heads to Austria this weekend, and the Sprint is back! Join Sky Sports F1 for extensive coverage, with the Sprint starting at 3.30pm on Saturday and the race at 2pm on Sunday.
