Mercedes worried: 'This can't happen in the title race with Verstappen'

What will Hamilton do?

The Turkish Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2020, but last-minute new asphalt had to be laid for it. That, however, was not a success. The asphalt offered little grip to the drivers and despite a thorough treatment by the organization, Mercedes have question marks.

"Mercedes are worried about the asphalt. Last year it was very slippery and it took a long time for the tyres to warm up. That resulted in a sixth and ninth place on the grid. In the title fight with Verstappen, something like this should not happen again," can be read on the website of Auto, Motor und Sport.

Problems with customers of Mercedes

The German medium also refers to the strength of Red Bull. The Austrian team know how to get the tyres up to temperature very quickly again in 2021. In the race, the Mercedes drivers therefore keep their tyres in a good performance window for longer, but in qualifying it is an advantage for Verstappen.

"It could be tough for him (Lewis Hamilton). Mercedes do not rule out Hamilton using his new engine for this weekend. One of the current engines is no longer reliable and that increases the risk. There are also indications that besides Carlos Sainz, two more drivers will start from the back of the grid because of a grid penalty. Mercedes customers would rather take the penalty now than later."