The 2024 British Grand Prix delivered an interesting weekend, with three groups preventing 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 residence second, getting previous Lando Norris within the latter phases. George Russell began on pole place and was in charge of the race, earlier than altering situations and a automobile subject noticed him fall down the order and ultimately retiring.
Oscar Piastri frolicked within the high two, earlier than McLaren F1 Staff opted to not do a one cease, leaving the Australian out on intermediates, dropping him right 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 Staff and clawing them again into the battle 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 looking 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 had been struggling. The fourth quickest automobile, however not near these above them, they had 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It’s actually too early to say the Mercedes of outdated are again as Russell’s victory in Austria was actually a fortunate one and Silverstone has at all times been a circuit of fine fortune for the Silver Arrows,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 12 months and into 2025.
Hamilton successful 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 successful methods, after admitting after the race that he’d been doubting his means at occasions over the previous few years. Mercedes had been good in all situations, and the technique calls had been good, maybe signalling a superb future for Toto Wolff and his group.
Within the opening phases of the race, Russell and Hamilton had been comfy out within the lead and if it had stayed dry and the previous hadn’t retired, they might of simply sealed a 1-2 end by fairly a approach. As we stated 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 date within the 2024 FIA Components 1 World Championship season, however you possibly can’t assist however really feel that the Briton ought to have just a few extra wins below his belt.
Norris had the quickest automobile in Canada, however did not get previous Russell that 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 a fantastic season, he must be selecting up these victories if he’s to place strain on Verstappen, and kick begin his title battle.
A poor technique name misplaced him the race at Silverstone on Sunday and whilst 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 in the end gave them a bonus over Norris and McLaren.
Going into Hungary and Spa earlier than the summer season 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 below severe strain at Oracle Pink Bull Racing with rumours he could possibly be dropped for Daniel Ricciardo swirling round within the media. The strain 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 Pink Bull will probably be on the lookout for.
Reviews have advised 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 concern for Pink Bull isn’t the Drivers Championship with Verstappen main however with a battle heating up for the Constructors Championship, Pink Bull want a second driver that may rating sufficient factors.
Ricciardo appears the almost definitely to go again to Pink Bull, and his expertise driving an Adrian Newey type automobile would certainly assist him discover his outdated efficiency and at this second within the time, the Australian is driving nicely for RB and definitely higher than Perez.
