Lewis Hamilton's fears about Ferrari's straight-line speed proved unfounded as he dominated the opening day of the British Grand Prix weekend, while team principal Frederic Vasseur hit back at suggestions from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that Ferrari's upgrade pace might breach cost cap rules.
Hamilton Dominates Silverstone Practice and Sprint Qualifying
The seven-time world champion topped the sole practice session before securing pole position for the Sprint Race at Silverstone, a circuit where he has won nine times – more than any other driver in Formula One history. The 41-year-old Ferrari driver currently sits third in the Drivers' Championship and has the chance to reach double figures in victories at his home Grand Prix.
Hamilton admitted he entered the weekend with concerns after discussions with his Ferrari engineers. "They were scaring me. They were like, 'We're going to be six tenths off in a straight line to these guys,' and in the last race we were four tenths off in the straight line," Hamilton revealed. "But today all of a sudden, we're kind of there and I was like: 'Is this real? Are they going to turn up in quali?'"
His concerns proved unfounded as the car performed strongly. "We were right there competing with them. I always want to bring it back to everyone back at the factory, because I can't say it enough, they're just pushing," Hamilton said. "Last year we were kind of stuck in a rut, not a lot we could do. Now they're finding things, they're adding things to the car, and this weekend, every single weekend we bring in small little bits and add in performance to this car, and it felt awesome. Silverstone is the best track to drive."
Vasseur Responds to Wolff's Cost Cap Comments
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur hit back at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who questioned the volume of upgrades Ferrari have been able to introduce each race weekend. After circuit-specific improvements in Monaco, Hamilton's Spanish Grand Prix victory came on the back of an eight-time aerodynamic upgrade package. Wolff suggested the team "need to be running out of cost cap money soon."
"I found it quite ironic coming from Toto and Mercedes. But when Red Bull is developing or when Mercedes is developing they are geniuses; when we are developing we are cheating!" Vasseur responded. "I think you have to calm down with this. We didn't bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don't know if it was a joke or."
When asked if he felt Wolff was suggesting Ferrari were cheating, Vasseur replied: "If you think that we overshoot the cost cap, for me, it's going into this direction. I think it was better to avoid to speak."
British Grand Prix Weekend Continues
The Sprint Race and Grand Prix qualifying are set to follow, with Hamilton looking to extend his record at Silverstone. The weekend marks a crucial point in the championship battle as the season progresses.
