Mercedes pair Hamilton and Bottas left in shade by Vettel

SEBASTIAN VETTEL was fastest ahead of Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in second practice for tomorrow’s British Formula One Grand Prix. Ferrari driver Vettel (right), who leads by one point going into the 10th of 21 races this season, was 0.187 seconds quicker than Hamilton and 0.357 ahead of Bottas. The Mercedes duo managed a one-two in first practice as they aim to bounce back after failing to finish the Austrian GP due to team errors last Sunday. ‘It’s going to be very, very close. The Ferraris are really fast,’ Hamilton said. ‘We’re in for a serious fight, and I hope we can pull through.’ Bottas had a new power unit fitted, his third of the season. Mercedes said it was a precaution because of high temperatures on his second unit following his retirement in Austria.