By Matt Morlidge at Paul Ricard

Last Updated: 07/21/22 4:08 PM Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby and Paul Di Resta look ahead to the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby and Paul Di Resta look ahead to the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard Lewis Hamilton reaffirmed his hopes of fighting for a first win of the season at this weekend’s French Grand Prix, with Mercedes teasing an extensive car upgrade as he looks to close the gap at the front. While Hamilton and Mercedes have endured a poor first half of the season by their title-winning standards, much-improved pace in recent races has reinvigorated the team and Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard circuit – smooth, fast and flowing as Silverstone – they are expected to play to their strengths. Such has been the turnaround in form for Mercedes, Hamilton has reversed his view that he cannot fight for a win this season – and believes he has a chance this weekend when all sessions will be live on Sky Sports F1. Asked if he would be in the hunt, Hamilton said: “I hope so, that’s what we’re all working towards.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Johnny Herbert believes Lewis Hamilton has a chance to win in his 300th F1 race this Sunday at the French Grand Prix
Johnny Herbert believes Lewis Hamilton has a chance to win in his 300th F1 race this Sunday at the French Grand Prix “I’m working to get that win and I think at some stage we’ll be able to compete with these guys, whether that’s this weekend or over five races,” he added. “The journey is the important part. “We didn’t start where we wanted to, we’ve made progress and we’re starting to get some consistency. When we get back to where we deserve to be, I think we’ll appreciate it a lot more.” A win would be a landmark for Hamilton, not only because it would end his longest wait in an F1 season to claim a win – but also because it would come in his 300th race as he becomes the sixth driver to reach that number. Team-mate George Russell, however, has dented Mercedes’ chances against Red Bull and Ferrari this weekend. “The honest answer is we don’t really know,” Russell told Sky Sports F1. “We think we’ll be closer than we probably were in Austria, relatively speaking. It could make sense. “I think we won’t be faster than Ferrari or Red Bull. I think if we have a great weekend we could be within two tenths if we get it absolutely right, but I’d be shocked if we get any closer than that.”

The first details of the new Mercedes upgrade have been revealed

Slowly but surely, Mercedes is getting to grips with its underperforming W13 car – and recently the team has been rolling out upgrades in a bid to boost performance. That continues in France, where the first images of the team’s latest aerodynamic update emerged on Thursday. Mercedes brought a redesigned nose to Paul Ricard, which appears to be flatter and could focus on reducing drag, with the team known to be looking to increase straight-line speed. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot see these Privacy Options
The full package will be revealed before Friday’s practice and Mercedes may even have more upgrades up their sleeve. “Our understanding of W13 is growing with each round and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in our development and our results,” said Toto Wolff coming into the weekend. “While we were quicker in Austria, we weren’t quite quick enough to challenge at the front. We have to keep chasing those last few tenths and bring new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player George Russell believes that if all goes Mercedes’ way, they will have the chance to put pressure on the top four this Sunday at the French Grand Prix
George Russell believes that if all goes Mercedes’ way, they will have the chance to put pressure on the top four this Sunday at the French Grand Prix Hamilton, who is in first practice with reserve driver Nyck De Vries, added: “Every weekend helps us improve, for sure. “I really don’t know what to expand on this weekend. We’ve got things that we’re constantly changing on the car, aero surfaces and things like that, hopefully we’ll find something out this weekend and hopefully take it further. “Overall, this was a decent race for us and I hope it continues this weekend.”

Sky Sports F1 French GP Live

Friday, July 2210.35am: F2 Practice 12.30pm: French Practice GP 1 (session starts at 1pm) 3.45pm: French Practice Two (session starts at 4pm) ) 5.25pm: F2 Qualifying 6.10pm: W Series Qualifying 7pm: The F1 Show Saturday, July 2311.45am: French GP practice Tuesday (session starts 12pm) 1.30pm: W2 Series Race.35pm: French GP Qualifying 3pm. : French Grand Prix Qualifying 4.55pm : F2 Sprint Race 6pm : Ted’s Qualifying Book Sunday, July 248.30am: F2 Feature Race 12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: French GP Duration 2pm: The French Grand Prix 4pm: Checkered Flag: French GP Reaction 5m .pm: Ted’s Notebook 17:30: Highlights of the French GP