F1 news LIVE: Hamilton’s Silverstone ban reply, Verstappen mocks Mercedes, Horner backed

07/01/2022

British Grand Prix: A preview lap of the race track

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Mercedes are cautiously optimistic they can challenge closer to the front at the British Grand Prix with the team bringing new updates to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s car. The Silver Arrows have claimed the smooth surface at Silverstone could play to their advantage after the team has fared better on purpose-built tracks this season.

However, Hamilton’s involvement in Sunday’s Grand Prix is still under threat as his war with the FIA over jewellery continues. The seven-time champion could be barred from the race if he defies the rule and wears jewellery in practice today.

Max Verstappen arrives at Silverstone with a commanding 46-point advantage over Sergio Perez. However, it was this track 12 months ago where his title bid appeared to derail after a massive accident with Hamilton at Copse corner.

Lewis Hamilton speaks out over ban rumours

Lewis Hamilton has claimed he “will be racing this weekend” after his jewellery war with the FIA continues.

The seven-time champion could be prevented from racing on Sunday if he fails to comply with the jewellery ban on Friday.

The Mercedes star has been handed two exemptions but they run out for this weekend.

He added: “It’s kind of crazy to think that with everything that’s going on in the world that is the focus of people. We’ve got so much bigger fish to fry.”

Max Verstappen mocks Mercedes

Max Verstappen has hit out at Mercedes porpoising issues ahead of the British Grand Prix.

The Dutchman mimicked the team’s bouncing problems yesterday afternoon, just a week from a similar joke he made in Canada.

He explained: “Quite a few cars on the straight are [porpoising], especially that beautiful grey car, going like that.

“Some teams have that more under control than others and when that happens at 300kph, it can be painful for some, if it is really aggressive.”

Horner backed

Christian Horner’s opinions on porpoising rule changes has been backed by Sky F1 host Karun Chandhok.

He claimed it would be “wrong” for the FIA to make changes mid-season despite calls from Mercedes to change the rules.

Chandhok said: “I think it’d be wrong for the FIA to make any changes during the season – that’d be unfair to the people who have done a good job.

“Equally, I’ve seen some of the data about what’s going through the drivers’ spine, and it’s not good for their long-term health.”

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