Allison will 'cry' if Mercedes triumphs at Silverstone

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Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison says he'll shed a tear if the Brackley squad pulls off an upset and wins next weekend's British Grand Prix.

The ground effect aerodynamic issues that have impacted Mercedes' W13 this season have prevented the reigning world champions from fighting for race wins this season along with Red Bull and Ferrari.

However, Mercedes' tireless efforts to mitigate its bouncing problems are slowly proving fruitful, although team boss Toto Wolff warned in Canada recently that returning to the front of the field will not happen overnight.

But ahead of next weekend's round of racing at Silverstone, a fertile hunting ground for Mercedes, Allison says a quiet air of optimism is running through the team at Brackley.

Read also: Horner sees Mercedes 'strong' at Silverstone and Paul Ricard

"Everyone in our factory doesn’t dare say it but we are cautiously optimistic of having a more competitive weekend than some of those we’ve had of late," Allison told Sky F1.

"I think some characteristics of this circuit will suit this car but we don’t have a car capable of winning from the front yet.

"But I think as long as we can get the car tamed through Maggots, Becketts and around the faster of the corners than I think we have a decent chance of a competitive showing this weekend.

"And maybe if the Red Bulls stumble, who knows, but I am hopeful, hopeful of a better weekend."

After Montreal, Mercedes tech boss Mike Elliott confirmed that a few updates will find their way onto the team's Silver Arrow for its home race at Silverstone.

Whether the changes will help the team reduce its gap to its Red Bull and Ferrari rivals remains to be seen.

But if good fortune and circumstances come Mercedes' way at Silverstone and hand an unexpected win to either Lewis Hamilton or George Russell, emotions will be running high on Sunday afternoon.

"Absolutely, well I’d cry," said Allison. "It would be a fantastic thing.

"I’ve just got my fingers crossed that we’ll have a credible showing with a car that’s on the mend."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.