The Formula One season is heating up and we now have the second of back-to-back race weeks coming up before the midterm break, in the form of the German Grand Prix. With Lewis Hamilton atop the Driver’s Championships again, fans will be hoping that the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen can give him a run for his money.
That is, however easier said than done. Backed by an utterly superior car, Hamilton has looked unstoppable in most races this season and is coming off the back of another win at Silverstone, his home track. Mercedes, his team are the primary sponsors of the event and being based out of Germany, the majority of the fans will be backing them. The circuit at Hockenheimrig is laid with history, and between itself, Nurburgring and AVUS Berlin, they have hosted the event in all its forms since its inception in 1926.
Here are a few things you should know about it:
1. The gravel and the weather can be extremely challenging
Gavel traps and challenging Weather
The older circuit bustled through a forest but this one has its share of the edge too. The gravel trap at the end of the Turn 11 has put many famous racers to the sword, with both Pierre Gasly and Sebastian Vettel having taken a toss on it. The hairpin Track 6 turn and the wheel-to-wheel action in Track 8 also tests the racers to the limit.
Moreover, with bad weather predicted at the Hockenheimrig this year, things could get intense on another level.
2. Mercedes will be celebrating 125 years of racing
Mercedes's 125 Years of Racing
At their home country. Mercedes motorsports will be celebrating it’s rich, trophy-laden history. A special livery for its racecar, a massive grandstand, plenty of retro and modern do-overs will be visible throughout the weekend to mark 125 years for the Silver Arrows.
3. Lewis Hamilton can make history in Germany
Lewis Hamilton at German Grand Prix
There is no doubt that despite being an old circuit, Hockheimrig’s heyday aligned with Michael Schumacher’s prime. His four victories at the circuit, all between 1995 to 2006 made this race synonymous with his legacy. However, Lewis Hamilton has the opportunity to break that record this weekend.
Hamilton has won the German Grand Prix in 2008,2011,2015 and last year, tying him with Schumacher. With the form that he is in, it seems a matter of certainty that he will be rewriting the history books this season.
4. Mick Schumacher will be driving on the circuit
Mick Schumacher will drive at German Grand Prix 2019
As at mentioned before, Michael Schumacher has had an undeniable history with this circuit and Formula One has decided to honor that. His son, Mick who is currently racing in Formula 2 will be seen on both Saturday and Sunday parading his father’s 2004 Ferrari in and around the circuit. With no FP 2 races scheduled this weekend, the FIA has taken this opportunity to pay homage to one of the most legendary drivers in the sport, along with one of the most dominant car designs in the sport as well.
