The 2024 British Grand Prix delivered an interesting weekend, with three groups combating it out on the entrance for victory.
Lewis Hamilton was the winner, marking his first victory for the reason that again finish of the 2021 season in Jeddah, whereas Max Verstappen got here dwelling second, getting previous Lando Norris within the latter levels. George Russell began on pole place and was answerable for the race, earlier than altering situations and a automobile challenge noticed him fall down the order and ultimately retiring.
Oscar Piastri frolicked within the prime two, earlier than McLaren F1 Crew opted to not do a one cease, leaving the Australian out on intermediates, dropping him all the way down to fifth. Though he managed to repass Carlos Sainz Jr. a poor name as soon as once more price him on the British Grand Prix.
Nico Hülkenberg was the star of the present, ending sixth for MoneyGram Haas F1 Crew and clawing them again into the combat for sixth within the Constructors Championship and transferring them inside 4 factors of Visa Money App RB, who solely managed to safe a singular level by Yuki Tsunoda.
On this piece, we’re having a look at 3 speaking factors from the British Grand Prix and what they imply going into the upcoming 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Mercedes Again to their Greatest?
Earlier than the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes have been struggling. The fourth quickest automobile, however not near these above them, they have been struggling to even safe finishes inside the highest 5, with solely George Russell having the ability to take action – twice in Bahrain and Monaco. Quick ahead simply 4 rounds and Mercedes have now gained two races, secured two pole positions and never been off the rostrum for the reason that journey to Montreal.
It’s actually too early to say the Mercedes of previous are again as Russell’s victory in Austria was actually a fortunate one and Silverstone has all the time been a circuit of excellent fortune for the Silver Arrows, even in the previous couple of years of wrestle. One thing does really feel totally different for Mercedes although, it feels as in the event that they lastly perceive the W15 and have discovered a base to construct on into the second half of the yr and into 2025.
Hamilton profitable the race was an emotional however spectacular second for himself, the group and all of his followers. Not solely was it good to see, it was essential for Hamilton to get again to profitable methods, after admitting after the race that he’d been doubting his capacity at instances over the previous few years. Mercedes have been good in all situations, and the technique calls have been excellent, maybe signalling a superb future for Toto Wolff and his group.
Within the opening levels of the race, Russell and Hamilton have been comfy out within the lead and if it had stayed dry and the previous hadn’t retired, they may of simply sealed a 1-2 end by fairly a approach. As we mentioned above although, it’s too early to say Mercedes are again however the progress made is actually the most effective we’ve seen on this new period of rules.
One other race win misplaced for Norris?
Norris has been a shining gentle to this point within the 2024 FIA Formulation 1 World Championship season, however you’ll be able to’t assist however really feel that the Briton ought to have a couple of extra wins beneath his belt.
Norris had the quickest automobile in Canada, however didn’t get previous Russell which means he was unable to assault Verstappen within the closing whereas in Barcelona, he began from pole and couldn’t convert into victory. Whereas it’s clear Norris is having an awesome season, he must be selecting up these victories if he’s to place stress on Verstappen, and kick begin his title combat.
A poor technique name misplaced him the race at Silverstone on Sunday and when you may say that’s on the group, confirmed winners like Hamilton and Verstappen override their groups and make their very own choices within the cockpit. Verstappen and Hamilton each did this on Sunday at totally different factors within the race and that finally gave them a bonus over Norris and McLaren.
Going into Hungary and Spa earlier than the summer time break, Norris wants a win and must outscore Verstappen to maintain any title hopes alive.
Pressures will increase additional on Pérez…
Sergio Perez solely signed a brand new deal 4 race weekends in the past, however as we finish the European triple header, the Mexican is beneath critical stress at Oracle Purple Bull Racing with rumours he might be dropped for Daniel Ricciardo swirling round within the media. The stress has intensified with affirmation of Liam Lawson’s RB20 take a look at and Pérez’s actually poor outing at Silverstone.
Pérez completed down the order after being knocked out in Q1, failing to attain factors and it wasn’t for the primary time this season. RB drivers, Ricciardo and Tsunodahave each completed forward of Pérez in 5 of the final seven races, which gained’t be the type of efficiency that Christian Horner and the upper ups at Purple Bull will probably be searching for.
Studies have steered that there are particular clauses within the contract, together with one about him being 100 factors behind Verstappen, which he’s as issues stand. The fear for Purple Bull isn’t the Drivers Championship with Verstappen main however with a battle heating up for the Constructors Championship, Purple Bull want a second driver that may rating sufficient factors.
Ricciardo appears the almost definitely to move again to Purple Bull, and his expertise driving an Adrian Newey fashion automobile would certainly assist him discover his previous efficiency and at this second within the time, the Australian is driving properly for RB and definitely higher than Perez.
