Drivers, racing crew, and Formula One fans made their way to the legendary Hockenheimring for a weekend of German Grand Prix excitement. TIBCO partner Mercedes-AMG Petronas headed into the weekend with a narrow lead in the Constructors’ Championship standings, and the Silver Arrows seemed eager to put some distance between themselves and their closest opponents, Scuderia Ferrari.
The team looked strong at the beginning of Saturday’s qualifying event, but trouble soon struck for Lewis Hamilton as a mechanical setback found him standing outside of his car, pushing it down the track with all his might.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1020686529176526855
While Valtteri Bottas secured a P2 starting position, Hamilton was stuck back in P14 on the grid.
https://twitter.com/TIBCO/status/1021023197108613120
As soon as the race started, Hamilton began to do what he does best: making quick work of his opponents.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021020938119327745
Passing one opponent after another, Hamilton just couldn’t be stopped.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021023115143536640
Before long, Hamilton found himself near the front of the action.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021028078368317446
While Bottas maintained a blistering pace that kept the other drivers on their toes.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021030860684955649
With rain in the forecast, tire selection took on a whole new dimension of importance.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021031647540637696
After a cleanly executed pit stop, Hamilton flew back out onto the track with his UltraSoft tires, able to handle the light sprinkling of rain.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021036234867728386
After a few more laps, a crash sidelined Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, giving the Silver Arrows their first shot at the #GermanGP lead.
VET is off!!!! Valtteri Bottas LEADS THE GERMAN GP!!
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 22, 2018
With fresh tires and the podium in his sights, Hamilton made his charge towards the front of the pack, taking the lead in the final laps of the #GermanGP!
https://twitter.com/F1/status/1021041509263605761
After a difficult start and less than ideal track conditions, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas still managed to bring home a 1-2 finish for their fans around the world and right here at TIBCO.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1021050245919182849
Up next: the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 29!
Learn more about TIBCO’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport that provides the team with a data-driven competitive edge.
