Home race means big pressure for Mercedes - Wolff

40

As dominant as the Silver Arrows have been this season with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and as promising as prospects may look, Mercedes will feel the pressure to perform on home soil this weekend, says Toto Wolff.

Max Verstappen's Barcelona win has been the only race so far to evade Mercedes' control, as the German manufacturer guns for its eleventh triumph this season.

While a race is never a routine run around the track for the Mercedes squad, or any team for that matter, last Sunday's Hungarian GP failed to showcase once again any real threat from its rivals.

"To get such a result in Hungary, which is not a track that has traditionally suited us, shows how far we have progressed," commented Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"That is the most satisfying outcome and a big positive for the rest of the season."

"We are in a strong position as we move past the halfway point, with two drivers performing at a high level and a competitive combination of chassis and engine underneath them.

"Their battle shows no signs of dropping in intensity, and we can expect plenty of entertainment as the races and points count down."

It may be more of the same in Hockenheim or perhaps the German track and circumstances will unite to throw a spanner into the Mercedes works.

Regardless, local fervour and national pride will undoubtedly boost the pressure on the Brackley-based squad by a few bars.

"Next, we have our home race in Hockenheim. It's no secret that this is a big weekend for us. We are just a small part of a large global organisation and we take great pride in representing the three-pointed star out on track.

"I'm sure our rivals would take great pleasure in beating us on our home turf, so the pressure is on. But we will do everything in our power to make Mercedes-Benz proud and head into the summer break on a high."

Scene at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix

Hungarian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

Technical analysis - Budapest

DRIVER RATINGS: Hungarian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.