Ralf Schumacher Predicts a ‘Fatal’ F1 Race Weekend for Mercedes at Silverstone

There are certain circuits on the 2021 F1 calendar that has a Mercedes win written all over it. Two of them are Le Castellet and Silverstone. However, pretty much everyone knows what happened at the French Grand Prix. Red Bull showed an insane pace advantage over the Brackley outfit.

Red Bull’s hero, Max Verstappen, attempted a reverse strategy and hunted down his title rival, Lewis Hamilton, with just over a lap in hand. Not only did Verstappen prevent a Mercedes win at the circuit but also potentially dethroned the Silver Arrows from being the most successful F1 team in France.

Hence, former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher opined that a similar story could unfold at the British Grand Prix, which is due in a week.

Silverstone is absolutely for Red Bull: Schumacher

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, had claimed that Silverstone would suit Mercedes’ style, and a comeback could be on cards. However, Schumacher doesn’t think so.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the German reckoned that Mercedes are carrying a significant aerodynamical disadvantage over the Milton Keynes outfit. What’s more, the high-speed nature of Silverstone could only make things worse for the Wolff-led team.

“The next race takes place at Silverstone. Toto Wolff hoped that the Mercedes track would be better. I’m a bit skeptical about that because the circuit is absolutely for Red Bull,” Schumacher said.

“I believe that the Mercedes currently has an aerodynamic problem and has to drive significantly more wings in proportion to achieve a balance. And of course, that is fatal at Silverstone because of the long straights,” the 46-year-old added.

Mercedes no longer the favorites for the 2021 title?

It has undeniably been a tough season for Mercedes. How often have we heard someone say that? Well, not once since 2014, but Honda has changed the game altogether this season.

With a powerful engine at the back, Red Bull haven’t let the shield down once this season, pulling off perfect strategies and other off-track decisions since the close miss at the Spanish GP.

Now, the gap between Red Bull and Mercedes has blown up to 44 points. It is a known fact that Mercedes are incredible at giving unexpected comebacks. However, this season might not turn out that way. The German outfit is starting to lose hope.

Meanwhile, Red Bull are looking as strong and intense as they were during the Sebastian Vettel era. Hence, considering the resemblance, is Max Verstappen en route the first F1 title of his career?

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