British Grand Prix: 7 burning questions as F1 heads to Silverstone

Some of the climactic moments in current Formulation 1 reminiscence came about only a few quick days in the past when an on-track battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen — that has been brewing for weeks — lastly boiled over. A collision between the 2 on Lap 64 of the Austrian Grand Prix kicked off hours of debate over who was at fault, and hypothesis about what lies forward.

Nevertheless, the time for speaking attracts to an in depth shortly this week, because the British Grand Prix on the historic Silverstone Circuit is about to get underway, the ultimate race of an F1 tripleheader that has taken the grid from Barcelona to Austria and now Silverstone … whereas altering the complexion of the F1 season.

Listed here are the tk burning questions forward of the British Grand Prix.

The place do Max and Lando go from right here?

This query is vital not only for the British Grand Prix, however for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season, if not past.

The place do Lando Norris and Max Verstappen go from right here?

Is their on-track battle which has been simmering for weeks — and the following Lap 64 collision — the second that adjustments every little thing on the grid? Or will just a few days of respite and a few inside discussions, even perhaps a pint or two, see each events transfer on from the incident and switch the web page? And what occurs if, as anticipated, these two lock horns in Silverstone or past? Will both driver strategy issues otherwise within the wake of Austria?

Over on social media at the least, there’s hope that within the days and weeks forward the 2 groups and drivers emphasize laborious however truthful racing, because the “Norris versus Verstappen” battle that’s shaping up appears to be essentially the most intriguing title battle since 2021. However, as we’ll word in a minute, that season was not with out its share of controversial moments, past the ultimate laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Then there’s the potential for what issues seem like at Media Day Thursday. The bevy of post-race questions and solutions in Austria appeared primed to construct the incident into one thing even larger, however will the assembled media look to maneuver past the incident itself and to the longer term, or will the incident and what it means on a private stage be the main focus?

Then there’s the truth that the grid leaves Austria and Crimson Bull Ring behind to make the journey throughout the English Channel to Silverstone and the British Grand Prix, a house race for Norris. Will what is bound to be a charged surroundings issue into the equation?

The place Norris and Verstappen go from right here is the burning query within the sport proper now, and beginning in only a few hours we’ll get our first glimpse at how that query is answered.

How will race officers deal with issues going ahead?

Photograph by Mark Thompson/Getty Pictures

One of many extra fascinating viewpoints on the Norris-Verstappen conflict got here from McLaren Staff Principal Andrea Stella. As you may count on, the McLaren boss backed his driver to the fullest.

However he additionally had some criticism for a way race officers have dealt with related battles up to now.

Talking with Ted Kravitz of Sky Sports activities F1 instantly after the Austrian Grand Prix, Stella pointed to how race stewards usually took a hands-off strategy up to now. “I see that your entire inhabitants on the earth would know who’s accountable apart from a gaggle of individuals,” started the McLaren boss to Kravitz.

“However the issue behind it’s that should you don’t handle this stuff truthfully, they are going to come again. They’ve come again in the present day as a result of they weren’t addressed correctly up to now when there have been some fights with Lewis [Hamilton] that wanted to be punished in a harsher means. You be taught now to race in a sure means, which we are able to contemplate truthful and sq..”

Kravitz instantly pointed to the 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix which noticed an identical duel between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and an incident the place it appeared to many watching that Verstappen had pressured Hamilton off the observe. However race officers took no additional motion.

You possibly can see that incident right here and make your individual dedication.

Returning to Stella, the McLaren boss indicated that Brazil 2021 was simply one among “many” such incidents.

“Sure, there’s many episodes,” continued the McLaren boss. “The actual fact is that we’ve a lot respect for Crimson Bull, a lot respect for Max – they don’t want to do that. It’s a method to virtually compromise your popularity. Why would you do this?”

Stella then concluded his ideas with Kravitz.

“I feel the stewards discovered that Max was absolutely accountable on this episode. So it’s not about racing in a drivers’ means, it’s about racing throughout the laws,” stated Stella. “And the laws have to be enforced in a means that’s efficient, as a result of when a automobile is out of the race as a consequence of this accident, the punishment must be proportionate to the end result.

“And we had twice earlier than that episode shifting beneath braking. So I feel it’s simply evident we’ve to implement the best way to go racing as a result of we wish to have enjoyable, we wish to take pleasure in.”

In order that leads us to the race stewards now, and the way they are going to deal with issues going ahead. They might level to the penalty handed all the way down to Verstappen in Austria — the ten-second penalty together with two factors on his Tremendous License discovering him “predominantly at fault” for the collision — as an indication that they’re intervening to keep off any additional incidents on the observe. Maybe they’re proper. However you greatest consider that if the #1 and the #4 come shut this weekend, a number of eyes will probably be watching.

Not simply the 2 drivers, however the race stewards as nicely.

Can Meredes hold their sizzling streak going?

As we’ve famous over the previous few days the most popular workforce in F1 over the previous three race weekends?

Mercedes.

Upgrades the workforce began rolling out on the Miami Grand Prix started bearing fruit in Imola and Monaco however changed into one thing of a bumper crop since then. Over the previous three race weekends, the Silver Arrows have banked 100 factors, greater than every other workforce on the grid, together with each Crimson Bull and McLaren.

And as we’ll see in a second, far more than Ferrari.

Can Mercedes hold this streak going at Silverstone?

Phrase out of the workforce was optimistic on that entrance within the hours after George Russell’s win in Austria. Within the workforce’s post-race report on Sunday Lewis Hamilton famous that Silverstone may go well with the present configuration of the W15. “We now look forward to Silverstone,” stated Hamilton. “It’s at all times such a particular weekend, and I can’t wait to see all of the followers there. It’s a observe that ought to hopefully go well with us just a little higher than right here in Austria so let’s see what we are able to do.”

Alongside related strains, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff outlined that the success in Austria on a observe that has not at all times been fertile floor for the workforce illustrates simply how far they’ve come. “We now sit up for Silverstone subsequent week. We’re inspired by our general efficiency this weekend at a observe that has not usually been a [favorite] for our vehicles,” stated Wolff. “Our purpose over the subsequent few races is to proceed to point out progress and purpose to get nearer to the entrance.”

Can they hold it rolling this week?

Will we lastly be taught the place Carlos Sainz Jr. is headed?

Photograph by Clive Rose/Getty Pictures

The conflict between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen knocked what was the top-line query on the thoughts of everybody related to F1:

The place is Carlos Sainz Jr. headed for subsequent season?

Sainz stays the massive fish within the driver switch market, and whereas all indicators pointed to the Spanish driver signing on the dotted line with Williams for subsequent yr, Alpine has emerged in current weeks as a severe contender for his providers.

Sainz outlined forward of the Spanish Grand Prix {that a} choice was coming “quickly,” however appeared to take a distinct strategy within the moments after his podium end in Austria. When requested about his contract state of affairs after ending third within the Austrian Grand Prix Sainz indicated he was not going to be pressured into deciding earlier than he was prepared.

“As I stated earlier than, for certain that stress, I’m not going to obtain it on a Sunday afternoon after a podium we’re eager to take pleasure in. As I stated earlier than, I feel it’s typically, like George was saying, we take it as a right once we’re on one among these podiums, celebrating, carrying a Ferrari go well with, and I used to be pondering, attempt to take pleasure in this second as a result of who is aware of when it’s going to be the subsequent time sooner or later,” stated Sainz on the post-race FIA Press Convention Sunday. “In order a lot as perhaps there are some groups which might be nervous or pressuring me, it’s time for me additionally to take pleasure in this second of being on a podium.

“And I’m going to be trustworthy and simple with the groups, however it’s such an essential choice for me additionally that I’m going to take on a regular basis that I must take it. And if there’s groups that can’t wait or are a bit impatient, I can not do something about it. It’s going to be my future, my choice, and I’m going to try to be as trustworthy as doable with everybody and provides myself the time that I would like.”

If — hypothetically — Sainz had been to signal with Williams, asserting it forward of the British Grand Prix may be one thing the Grove-based outfit can be eager to do. Will that be what occurs this week, or will this choice linger previous the British Grand Prix, and maybe into the summer time shutdown and past?

If that’s the case, will that open the motive force market floodgates?

If Sainz does announce his 2025 vacation spot this week, will that open the 2025 driver floodgates?

A number of drivers in current weeks have pointed to Sainz as, to make use of the phrasing utilized by Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, the “cork within the bottle.” Talking forward of the Spanish Grand Prix throughout the FIA Press Convention Magnussen raised that notion when requested about his F1 future.

“He’s,” stated Magnussen whereas gesturing to Sainz when requested about why a choice was taking so lengthy. “Carlos is the cork within the bottle. I feel a number of guys are ready for him to make a transfer after which ultimately all the opposite items of the puzzle will fall. That’s the reality of that.”

Magnussen discovered assist in Zhou Guanyu every week later. In the course of the Thursday driver press convention, the Kick Sauber driver had this to say when requested about his 2025 plans. “Like, it’s very straightforward to say: we’re all ready for what Carlos needs to resolve on the finish of the day. However hopefully he could make his choice sooner,” stated Zhou. “After which I feel that can simply flip round loads the motive force market.”

Wanting on the choices in entrance of groups and drivers alike, you possibly can see how Sainz is that proverbial “cork within the bottle.” Assuming for the sake of this hypothetical Sainz decides to signal with Williams, which takes away yet another seat for the drivers searching for a trip. That may see Alpine transfer in direction of both Jack Doohan or Mick Schumacher as an possibility, then Valtteri Bottas considering a return to Kick Sauber, after which maybe Esteban Ocon taking one of many spots at Haas.

Nevertheless, ought to Sainz shock the paddock and signal with Alpine, then the Williams seat could possibly be the touchdown spot for Bottas, opening up Zhou for a return to Kick Sauber, after which on down the road.

So if Sainz does declare his 2025 intentions, it may actually set a number of strikes into movement.

If Sainz does announce his 2025 vacation spot this week, will that open the 2025 driver floodgates?

A number of drivers in current weeks have pointed to Sainz as, to make use of the phrasing utilized by Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, the “cork within the bottle.” Talking forward of the Spanish Grand Prix throughout the FIA Press Convention Magnussen raised that notion when requested about his F1 future.

“He’s,” stated Magnussen whereas gesturing to Sainz when requested about why a choice was taking so lengthy. “Carlos is the cork within the bottle. I feel a number of guys are ready for him to make a transfer after which ultimately all the opposite items of the puzzle will fall. That’s the reality of that.”

Magnussen discovered assist in Zhou Guanyu every week later. In the course of the Thursday driver press convention, the Kick Sauber driver had this to say when requested about his 2025 plans. “Like, it’s very straightforward to say: we’re all ready for what Carlos needs to resolve on the finish of the day. However hopefully he could make his choice sooner,” stated Zhou. “After which I feel that can simply flip round loads the motive force market.”

Wanting on the choices in entrance of groups and drivers alike, you possibly can see how Sainz is that proverbial “cork within the bottle.” Assuming for the sake of this hypothetical Sainz decides to signal with Williams, which takes away yet another seat for the drivers searching for a trip. That may see Alpine transfer in direction of both Jack Doohan or Mick Schumacher as an possibility, then Valtteri Bottas considering a return to Kick Sauber, after which maybe Esteban Ocon taking one of many spots at Haas.

Nevertheless, ought to Sainz shock the paddock and signal with Alpine, then the Williams seat could possibly be the touchdown spot for Bottas, opening up Zhou for a return to Kick Sauber, after which on down the road.

So if Sainz does declare his 2025 intentions, it may actually set a number of strikes into movement.

Can Ferrari cease the bleeding?

Neglect Sainz’s future workforce, what about his current one?

As famous above Mercedes has been the most popular workforce in F1 over the previous three race weekends. However wanting on the prime 4 groups within the Constructors’ Championship standings, the workforce that has been the coldest?

Ferrari.

Whereas Mercedes leads the best way with 100 factors over that interval, adopted by 84 for McLaren and 79 for Crimson Bull, Ferrari has simply 39 factors throughout this current stretch. Following Charles Leclerc’s triumphant drive on the Monaco Grand Prix (and a podium end for Sainz in that race), Ferrari has struggled.

Ferrari endured a tough week in Montreal, as they endured a points-less outcome within the Canadian Grand Prix. Barcelona was a step higher, as Leclerc delivered a P5 and Sainz a P6, however Austria noticed one other step again for Leclerc, as he completed seventh within the F1 Dash Race, and out of the factors in the primary occasion.

Sainz salvaged one thing larger for the workforce together with his podium end within the Austrian Grand Prix, however the Scuderia have seen their rivals both pull nearer to them within the standings (taking a look at McLaren and Mercedes) or pull additional away from them in Crimson Bull’s case.

Can they flip issues round at Silverstone?

“I feel, if something, it simply proves that the final two weekends haven’t been straightforward,” stated Sainz on Sunday when requested in regards to the workforce’s current struggles. “We’ve been at all times the primary Ferrari ending behind the primary Mercedes. Even should you rely Canada, you possibly can argue these three weekends in a row. So I feel Crimson Bull and McLaren had been in a league of their very own this weekend. Then there was a step. There was George and me battling for that P3, P4. And yeah, that was not the state of affairs originally of the yr.

“So it reveals that we have to work laborious. We have to perceive what’s occurred the final couple of races. And as soon as we perceive it, hopefully already for Silverstone, we are able to convey a step and enhance our efficiency.”

Concerning Silverstone, Sainz indicated that the workforce was working laborious again in Maranello to try to ship the upgrades wanted to spice up efficiency, notably within the higher-speed corners.

“Properly, I see the manufacturing unit pushing flat out, you already know, to grasp the troubles that we’ve hit within the final couple of weekends and making an attempt to convey already for Silverstone a bundle that permits us to carry out a bit higher within the high-speed corners as a result of it’s clearly been our weak spot,” stated Sainz. “Yesterday, Max was a lot faster via there, however not solely Max, additionally Mercedes and McLaren had been a transparent step forward of us in these kind of corners. And we all know Silverstone is the king of the excessive velocity, so we have to do a step. Clearly, we wish to be aggressive there. And we’re going to battle every little thing we are able to and attempt to discover every little thing we are able to, sorry, to make ourselves extra aggressive there.”

With the fast turnaround, Ferrari is beneath large stress to ship this weekend and stem the tide.

Which younger driver shines in apply?

Photograph by James Sutton – Formulation 1/Formulation Motorsport Restricted through Getty Pictures

Two groups have already introduced that younger drivers will probably be dealing with driving duties in at the least one apply session at Silverstone. Williams introduced that Franco Colapinto can be stepping in for Logan Sargeant throughout FP1, whereas Oliver Bearman will probably be getting within the cockpit of the VF-24 for the third of his six scheduled apply classes for Haas this season. Bearman’s most up-to-date FP1 session for Haas got here on the Spanish Grand Prix when he completed nineteenth out of 20 drivers within the opening section of apply.

For Colapinto, that is simply his second time within the cockpit of an F1 automobile, and his first F1 session. His debut in an F1 automobile got here at post-season testing in Abu Dhabi final winter.

“I’ve so many feelings. I’m extraordinarily delighted and it’s an important second in my life and my profession. I would be the most ready I can; I will probably be doing a number of laps within the simulator and finding out the small print wanted to drive this yr’s automobile. I’m actually wanting ahead to experiencing the brand new automobile after driving final yr’s in Abu Dhabi,” stated Colapinto within the workforce’s announcement. “To have the ability to drive it at a observe like Silverstone is a privilege, it’s one among my favorite tracks and to drive it on the workforce’s dwelling race means loads. To all of the Argentine followers – I hope you take pleasure in FP1 as a lot as I’m going to! It’s an essential second for our nation and I’m so grateful for all of the assist I’ve been given. I’m going to offer my all to make you proud!”

For Bearman, nonetheless, that is his third stint in a apply session for Haas this season, and it comes not solely in a season the place he made his F1 debut — and scored his first factors — changing an ailing Carlos Sainz Jr. in Saudi Arabia, but in addition as many count on he will probably be in a seat at Haas full-time subsequent yr.

And Haas workforce boss Ayao Komatsu admitted earlier this yr that Bearman was “into consideration” for a seat. “In fact we’re evaluating him,” stated Komatsu. “If he isn’t [under] consideration, we wouldn’t be working him in FP1.”

How will these two younger drivers take to the observe this weekend, and can Bearman inch nearer to a full-time spot within the grid?