British GP Race Report: Home, Sweet Home - Just
What a weekend of sport that was. An FA Cup final on Saturday following by a British Grand Prix on Sunday. We were one Wimbledon final short of a British sporting masterpiece. It is seventy years since the first-ever Grand Prix, which took place in Silverstone. On that day, in 1950, King George VI was in attendance. Since then, British Grand Prix have felt like royal visits, providing a circuit for the brave, moments that will live on for generations and, most importantly, some of the greatest fans of Formula One on the planet.
Of course, I am a biased Brit.
This year's race at Silverstone taking place with no fans felt criminal. Hopefully, it'll be the only time that this race or any other is held behind closed doors because the fans really do make the British Grand Prix special.
2020's race around the former World War II airfields of Silverstone did threaten to be a tame affair. However, this was a slow burner that would explode into life as the race neared the end, just going to show that it's never over until you see the chequered flag.
“With speculation of Perez being dropped increasing, this weekend was an intriguing test of the team without him.”
Racing Point, who's factory sits over the road from Silverstone, have deservedly been given the crown of the greatest pound for pound team in Formula One. This success has resulted mainly from their excellent operations and ability to pounce upon points whenever the superior teams tripped over or got injured. They have always done a tremendous job as the underdogs.
This year, Racing Point are not underdogs. The 'Pink Panthers' have the car to be the third-best team at the very least. However, their performance over the first four races of this season can be characterised as wasteful.
The beginning of the week was less than ideal for Racing Point. Their lead driver, Sergio Perez, tested positive for Coronavirus. Naturally, Sergio couldn't take part in the race and his team needed to replace him - fast. Thursday afternoon, Nico Hulkenberg picked up the phone. He was the chosen replacement. Nico had left Formula One involuntarily at the end of last year. Talented, successful in lower categories and even a Le Mans 24 hour race winner, the German had never entirely done enough for a podium. This weekend, to his surprise, he would be driving a car with the capacity of doing just that.
With speculation of Perez being dropped increasing, this weekend was an intriguing test of the team without him. While the Mexican isolated, he will have watched on as Hulkenberg got to grips with a new car and lack of race fitness and Stroll didn't exactly set the world alight. Sergio's experience, familiarity within the team and speed were dearly missed. This weekend shows precisely why.
It then went from bad to worse for the team. Nico Hulkenberg's engine would fail to turn on to head to the starting grid - the unfortunate kind of niggle that had characterised his Formula One career. At least the UK government's rules mean that he will have another, potentially final, race next weekend. Hopefully, he can be the super sub we all want him to be. On the other side of the garage, Lance Stroll at least finished, but only yielded two points, in ninth position. He couldn't make the tyres of the car work and struggled with pace. It'll be interesting to see if this poor form from the Perezless Racing Point continued into next race.
“If you are tired of hearing about racism, then imagine the tiredness of those who experience it.”
This weekend, Formula One finally got it right, addressing racism in the way they should have done already - clearly and unified. After the past two races have provoked criticism, a little bit of communication meant that our sport could use its platform to send out a message. As a white-dominated sport, there is sometimes a lack of understanding when it comes to racism since we don't see it in our sport. Why don't we see it? Because very few non-white people have ever worked in the sport, making it difficult to know when discrimination takes place. The stance before this weekend's race is a good start as far as education is concerned, but the conversation must continue. If you are tired of hearing about racism, then imagine the tiredness of those who experience it.
“I know I wasn't alone in needing a lie down after that conclusion to the race.”
After leading the organisation of the anti-racism message, Lewis Hamilton also holds the lead in the championship commandingly, following the race. Though the points don't show the full picture. In 2017, Lewis was interviewed on the top step of the podium by Owen Wilson, also known as Lightning McQueen. There was an element of déjà vu as Hamilton finished the race in a similar fashion to McQueen. For those unfamiliar with Cars, it is a Disney film in which the character, Lightning McQueen inexplicably failed to stop for tyres when he should have done, and blew a tyre in the final lap of the race. In McQueen's case, a photo finish revealed a tie, in Lewis' more real situation, he crawled across the line, just about beating Max Verstappen and the rest of the pack bearing down on him. He had made it home - just. I know I wasn't alone in needing a lie down after that conclusion to the race.
Hamilton wasn't the only one to have a tyre failure. In fact, he was lucky that the tyre only gave up half a lap from home. Bottas, his teammate, dropped out of the points from second and so too did Carlos Sainz from forth. Even so, while Formula One fans around the world were shaken to the core, Hamilton kept driving his limping car, at remarkable speeds, showing incredible skill to take his seventh win at home and eighty-seventh win of his career.
“I don't see Max making a move any time soon. However, I sense that his patience will begin to degrade.”
Thrilling though it was, some asked questions of Red Bull's decision to pit Max Verstappen in the final laps in a bid to get the extra point for the fastest lap of the race. To those people, I remind you of the utter beauty that is hindsight. Red Bull didn't know that Hamilton would have an issue, they were happy to accept a surprise second-place finish and the tyres that they took off Max's car were heavily damaged too. Who is to say that Max wasn't going to also encounter a failure?
A comment that took me aback came from Max Verstappen. He said that he was 'happy to finish second'. I don't know him well, but I do know that it is unlike him. If Bottas' tyre hadn't given up, he'd have finished third. He is outperforming his Red Bull, as evidenced by his boredom in the race. His team will fear that Max will not only become bored with being beaten by Hamilton and Mercedes but also by his car not being quick enough to do anything about it. I don't see Max making a move any time soon. However, I sense that his patience will begin to degrade.
Verstappen's teammate, Alex Albon, did well to fight back to eighth after a torrid weekend. He was second quickest in Friday's practice, but also crashed heavily, which knocked his confidence. Further struggles would follow in qualifying. On Sunday, Alex was fighting back through the field and stuck his nose inside Kevin Magnussen after the Dane ran wide in the final corner. The result - Magnussen ended his race early in the barrier. Luckily for Alex, his car remained in good condition. Unluckily, he received a five-second penalty. I agree with the general consensus that he didn't deserve punishment. However, I understand and commend the decision that remains consistent with action taken on the two clashes that Alex has been on the receiving end of, with Lewis Hamilton.
“It would be good to see him get a podium before the end of 2020 - a Danial Ricciardo podium is always a treat.”
Joining Lewis and Max on the podium was a future champion driving what is now a midfield car. Charles Leclerc had a solid qualifying and race, outperforming his teammate and probably his car. Nevertheless, with two podiums this season, he is clearly showing his worth in a Ferrari, which won't be fighting for wins for the next couple of years according to their chairman, John Elkann. Once again, Charles was lucky to get this podium. Even so, you make your own luck, and he took the spoils when Bottas was removed from the picture.
Leclerc was followed closely home by the ever-consistent Danial Ricciardo and Lando Norris. Both drove brilliantly, along with their teammates, Ocon and Sainz, as they battled hard. This was Danny's best finish for Renault and it would be good to see him get a podium before the end of 2020 - a Danial Ricciardo podium is always a treat. Once again, this demonstrates the brilliant position McLaren are in with their drivers next year, as they look to rise back to the top, where they belong.
McLaren and Renault were held up by Romain Grosjean, who's Haas team once again did something a bit different with their strategy, leaving him out while others pitted. The Frenchman's defensive driving was 'sketchy' to quote Ricciardo, as he jerked late to block overtaking cars. It was borderline dangerous from the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association. To put it mildly, Verstappen wasn't particularly impressed with Grosjean's sight earlier in the weekend. It is these sorts of moments that add to his unfortunate reputation as a driver who has more incidents than most.
The British Grand Prix was a slow burner, but boy did we enjoy the bang. Happily, there is another race coming up at Silverstone, and it's in just a week. With softer tyres and higher temperatures on the cards, I wouldn't go anywhere. After all, there's no place like home.
Styrian GP Race Report: The Perfect Storm
Round 2 of the bizarre but brilliant 2020 Formula One season took place at the first and probably the only, Styrian Grand Prix. We had a second helping of action from the Red Bull Ring, in Austria, and it didn’t disappoint.
“ If his rivals want to beat him, they need to outdo Lewis off the track, not just on it.”
Any fears that consecutive races at the same circuit would feel like a ‘copy and paste’ could promptly be put to bed. Torrential rain on Saturday created the perfect storm for the best drivers in the world to perform. Despite treacherous conditions, only one of the 20 runners hit the barriers. This goes to show the remarkable ability of these drivers to maintain speed and command as their cars attempt to swap ends on what feels like ice. Pure class. Pure instincts.
Historically, those drivers who could best master wet conditions have tended to be among the greats. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher were ‘rain-masters’ of their era. The current generation’s cream of the crop raised again on Saturday. Lewis Hamilton took his Mercedes to a place where few, if any, have or ever will go. Hamilton was a staggering 1.2 seconds faster than second-placed Max Verstappen. For reference, the difference between second and tenth was also 1.2 seconds. League of his own? Undeniably.
The Formula One world looked on in awe as the six-time champion ruled over his rivals in a display akin only to his lap in Singapore 2018 and Senna’s Monaco pole in 1988. Watching Lewis’ onboard footage is a pleasure at the best of times but if you want to treat yourself, go and watch that lap. You won’t regret it.
Following a sublime pole position, Hamilton would control proceedings from lights to flag. He increased his pace when he needed to, but ultimately it was a victory taken at a canter. Such measured performance is something that we have become accustomed to, with his 85th career win taking him within 6 of the all-time record. Given the scruffy nature of last weekend, yesterday’s victory was one of the more important ones. While others went walking in the mountains or home, Lewis went back to the track to continue the search for speed with his engineers. If his rivals want to beat him, they need to outdo Lewis off the track, not just on it.
“Valtteri seems in the best mental and physical form of his Mercedes career, which will breed confidence. Hopefully, he will use that to take it to Hamilton.”
Yes, Lewis took top honours this weekend but his teammate, Valtteri Bottas still leads the championship after two races. I think Valtteri will be happy with that. However, he should be wary of letting Lewis Hamilton get any momentum. That is dangerous. The Fin has proven on multiple occasions that he can win a Grand Prix, he now needs to do just that regularly if he wants to be champion. Valtteri seems in the best mental and physical form of his Mercedes career, which will breed confidence. Hopefully, he will use that to take it to Hamilton.
It does seem as though a Mercedes shoot out for the title is on the cards. Nevertheless, such a statement can only be taken from testing and two races at the same track. Next week in Budapest, the lower speed layout may find other suitors in the form of Red Bull. Therefore, it would be foolish to write off the rest of the pack based on two thoroughly impressive weekends from Mercedes.
“We will have to wait for the verdict from the FIA, though, I’d rather no action was taken because the current midfield battle is fantastic to behold.”
Another individual who has impressed, taking the hearts of the fans and third in the championship, is Lando ‘last lap’ Norris. After such challenging years, it is a pleasure to see McLaren at the sharp end of the field once again. Carlos Sainz showed his class, taking third in qualifying but sadly faded in the race due to a slow pit stop dropping him into a traffic jam. Lando, meanwhile, had got a silly penalty in practice for not slowing down sufficiently under yellow flag conditions. This meant he started further down the order. Not that that stopped him. Due to a good strategy and a compliant teammate letting him through, Lando’s superior tyres ushered in a late charge which saw him pass three cars in the remaining two laps (another onboard that I recommend). As I mentioned last week, getting the team on side is vital for the coming years, and he is doing just that.
On the penultimate corner of Lando’s late surge, he passed Sergio Perez, who’s front wing had seen better days. I was disappointed for Sergio. He’d done so well to drive from seventeenth on the grid to fifth. He had then lunged down the inside of Alex Albon, hitting him at what is now the Thai’s least favourite corner. They touched, breaking Perez’s wing and allowing Albon to demonstrate the car control he’d learned from his similar experience with Hamilton during the previous race. A tad clumsy from the Mexican, nonetheless, an excellent recovery drive.
Sixth and seventh position wasn’t bad for Perez’s Racing Point, who have the third quickest car but started way down the order after a poor qualifying. Renault protested the legality of the Racing Point that looks incredibly similar to last year’s Mercedes. It would appear Racing Point have been cheeky in copying the design of such a dominant car, however, in working closely with the FIA they have ensured that what they have done is within the rules. On the flip side, you can understand why Renault, who have ultimately spent more money for a slower package, aren’t best pleased with the situation. We will have to wait for the verdict from the FIA, though, I’d rather no action was taken because the current midfield battle is fantastic to behold.
“Leclerc dived into an ever-closing wedge and took his teammate, himself and his pride out of the race.”
Following the race, Ferrari cancelled their team press conference, which says a lot about their weekend really. Good news came in the form of an upgrade coming a week earlier than planned. The question is, did they improve the performance? The answer - nobody knows. A shaky qualifying saw Leclerc drop out in Q2 and Vettel in 10th. The Scuderia’s drivers tardy getaway saws them fighting one another, deep within the pack. Leclerc dived into an ever-closing wedge and took his teammate, himself and his pride out of the race.
Charles took responsibility for the mistake and apologised publicly to the team. It is a good job for Leclerc that he is on a five year deal with the Italian team. Otherwise, his place in the team might have been scrutinised in greater detail. With that being said, Leclerc is still only 22 years of age and proved last year that he does and will learn from these tough moments. That ability to learn is what makes him world champion material - something Ferrari recognise.
Even so, I wouldn’t be surprised if fingers are beginning to get pointy behind the scenes in Maranello. Ferrari need to be competing at the front of Formula One. It’s weird having a race without a red car. I feel sorry for Seb Vettel, who is trying to enjoy his last races for Ferrari and demonstrate his ability to onlookers with a spare seat. He might be relieved to be leaving an imploding Ferrari. That also raises the concerns that Carlos Sainz’s camp may have in joining next year. Hopefully, the Hungaroring circuit will help the Italian outfit get back on track.
All in all, Styria produced another fine race for us. I can’t help but smile, knowing that there is a third race coming in just a few days. And that seems to be the format of F1 2020 - thick, fast and thrilling.
Austrian GP Race Report: The Scene is Set
The wait is over. After seven months of waiting and wondering, Formula One is back. And, my goodness, it was worth the wait.
“There is no place for racism, and the drivers’ stance will hopefully ensure that there is more than racing being discussed by the world watching on. “
Whatever Formula One might mean to you, for all of those involved, this weekend was a proud moment. While others have been irresponsible, F1 showed international sports exactly how to put on a show in the very different world that we now live.
The demonstration by the drivers against racism was a powerful moment. There is no place for racism, and the drivers’ stance will hopefully ensure that there is more than racing being discussed by the world watching on.
North of 4,000 Coronavirus tests were taken on an essential-only paddock. Every test came back negative. After being tested, those present remained in ‘bubbles’ throughout the weekend, always wearing masks and social distancing where possible. The result - we’ve got some racing to enjoy.
And so we did. Was racing really that different? From the comfort of my living room, it was like a reunion with an old friend - plenty of stories to tell, one or two peripheral changes but still the same person that we like to hang out with at the weekend. This is why Formula One is so successful, its adaptability, resulting from the talented individuals involved, makes any wave rideable.
“How refreshing it was to see six teams with the chance of a podium.”
One of the prevailing descriptions of Formula One this weekend was ‘competitive’. In Qualifying, the two Mercedes drivers were separated by just 0.022 seconds, with Valtteri Bottas just snatching the pole position. The tight and exciting times continued further back with drivers between 3rd and 10th only being separated by half a second.
High competition means even higher stakes. Any mistakes or deficiencies in machinery and you were in trouble as Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari found. He and his teammate lined up eleventh and seventh respectively - a fall from grace following their tremendous pace last year. Many feel that the decline is engine-related. A fair assessment, given that they haven’t started on the front of the grid since a technical directive, aimed at their power unit, came into force towards the end of last season. Power is an issue, but the overall package makes the car a challenge to drive. Following a disappointing race, Sebastian stated his surprise that he didn’t spin more than the one time that he did. That rather clumsy pirouette will have been particularly painful after his teammate, Charles Leclerc, showed his future-champion quality, wrestling his car home for second place. They say they have an update coming in Budapest - they better hope it’s a good one.
Luckily for the show, while Ferrari have stumbled others have got into their stride. Qualifying was close, and so was the race. How refreshing it was to see six teams with the chance of a podium. Racing Point’s 2019 Mercedes lookalike has provoked some moans from competitors but sit pretty with excellent pace. McLaren and Renault have both also made huge gains, with the Woking-based teams getting in among the Mercedes and Red Bulls in the starting order. Another good news story is seeing George Russell’s Williams starting higher than his standard P19. If a team need any points this season, it is Williams. Especially with the financial challenges that they face.
Unfortunately, points weren’t served for Williams as Russell joined eight other drivers on the sidelines with a DNF. Austria’s track sniffs out and punishes any signs of brittleness. Even the winning Mercedes team were relieved that their cars made it through the season’s first test. One of the teams to discover the tendency of the Red Bull Ring to bite was, rather embarrassingly, Red Bull. Max Verstappen bowed out early while the car of his teammate, Albon, left it late to give up the ghost.
Before his late retirement, Alex Albon looked good for a podium at the very least. However, in overtaking Lewis Hamilton, on his fresh tyres, around the outside, the two came together. The result - Albon was relegated to the back of the pack and Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty which would ultimately drop him down to fourth position. For me, it was a racing incident, that clearly neither driver wanted. However, like many, I am someone that has never raced a Formula One car. Hence, I look to those that are experienced, to understand who is at fault in moments like these. It was generally acknowledged that Lewis could not have done much to avoid the collision. He was being passed on a downhill corner, using worn, harder tyres - a recipe for understeer as exhibited on Sunday. However, the pundits also pointed out that while the penalty is harsh, it is fair because of the result that it had on Alex’s position.
“Politics is never a million miles away from a Formula One circuit, and it is usually on the other side of the fence, in the paddock.”
In hindsight, the race was a continuation of this weekend’s battle between Mercedes and Red Bull on and off the track. Politics is never a million miles away from a Formula One circuit, and it is usually on the other side of the fence, in the paddock. And so it proved on return. Red Bull went to the stewards regarding Mercedes on multiple occasions during the weekend. The outcomes of all of these moments all result in positives.
The final decision, to hand Hamilton the penalty, allowed us to celebrate the maiden podium of Lando Norris. What a remarkable man Lando is becoming. He and McLaren have worked so hard and deserve these good moments - they will look forward to trying to do the same next weekend to maintain second position in the constructor’s championship. With an outgoing Carlos Sainz and an incoming Daniel Ricciardo, Lando needs to make McLaren his own before the experienced and talented Danny Ric turns up. If this weekend is anything to go by, Daniel will be happier to arrive than Carlos will be to leave. It’s only one race though so watch this space.
“I spoke about waves. To ride one, first, you need to catch one. That is precisely what Valtteri Bottas achieved while his championship rivals struggled.”
Earlier, I spoke about waves. To ride one, first, you need to catch one. That is precisely what Valtteri Bottas achieved while his championship rivals struggled. In a shortened season, performing consistently well in races will be crucial. The Fin started how he did last year. Remaining calm to hold off his seemingly omnipotent teammate, Bottas took a fine victory in an action-packed race. The perfect start, but now he needs to maintain this wave’s momentum. I see 2020 as the year that Bottas can challenge Lewis Hamilton for the crown. Valtteri is in a positive place and looks fully focused. Let us not forget the might of Red Bull, who will want to return with a vengeance at the same time and place.
If forecasts are to be believed, you’d be a fool to miss the first rain-affected race of the season in a matter of days. The scene is set - F1 2020 looks will be high in pressure, not to mention lofty in drama.
My intention is that these race reports should not normally be this lengthy, however, as we waited more than half a year for one, I thought I’d treat you.