Mercedes Formula 1 German GP update package includes cooling fixes

The cooling problem was not expected to be a problem in the British Grand Prix, but Mercedes was aware that it could resurface in the German and Hungarian GPs due to Europe's ongoing heatwave.

Bottas, speaking ahead of the track action in Germany, said that the changes have given Mercedes "quite a few degrees" of margin to help it manage high temperatures.

"Of course it's a different circuit, very hot conditions," said Bottas. "We know our car is maybe not the most efficient in hot conditions.

"We have some new bits for the cooling, but also a really nice new aero package which should give the general performance to the car.

"I like that mindset. Nothing is enough. We always want more, if we have a gap, we want a bigger gap, that's how we are all tuned in this team.

"That is the winning mentality. I just wish everything works as it should because I'm sure every team is pushing hard in bringing new bits all the time."

Asked about the specific cooling improvements he said: "After Austria, it was quite a strong reaction from the team, clearly [it was] a big weakness in our package.

"We basically introduced a new upgrade for the cooling systems, so they should be more efficient, and should give hopefully quite a few degrees of margin.

"I'm not sure anyone expected to be racing in 40C! Maybe less on Sunday, but at least tomorrow. We'll see how it goes."

Bottas said he would prefer cooler and wetter conditions than the current forecast predicted for qualifying and the race, despite Mercedes bringing its updates.

"We haven't had any proper wet running this year," said Bottas when asked by Autosport. "So it would be nice to try at some point. I wouldn't mind it if it happens here.

"We definitely wish the temperature is going to be less. But I'm sure in these extreme temperatures we're not going to be the only team struggling.

"The new parts, in terms of the cooling, should make our life easier. But I'm ready, as always, for any weather."

Lewis Hamilton downplayed the cooling changes, indicating that he still has concerns about running in extremely high temperatures.

Asked by Autosport if he would prefer a wet qualifying session, Hamilton said: "It's definitely a good thing if it rains.

"There's not really much we can do because it's a much bigger design issue we have when it gets hot, so it's not so easy to change it.

"We are working towards changing it, but it's very small steps, small increments which they're not making a massive difference.

"Hopefully this weekend should be OK in that sense, and if it stays hot we're going to struggle and be in trouble.

"If the next race is this hot, we're going to struggle and be in trouble, on the edge like Austria. But fingers crossed it doesn't come to that."