05/08/2016
NEWS STORY
Mercedes adopts a highly conservative approach in terms of tyre sets for Spa-Francorchamps.
Whereas the likes of Ferrari and Williams are taking seven sets of the supersoft rubber to Spa later this month, and even Red Bull and Force India six, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are taking just four sets apiece of the red-banded rubber.
In terms of the harder compounds Hamilton and his teammate go in different directions also, the Briton taking six softs and three mediums compared to Rosberg's five (soft) and four (medium).
It is widely thought that Hamilton will take a grid penalty in Belgium by opting for a double engine change, thereby adding two new units to his 'pool' before he gets to circuits where overtaking is more difficult.
In a surprise move, Ferrari and Sauber are both tasking just one set of mediums per driver, while Red Bull and Manor follow Rosberg's example.