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

One of the climactic moments in latest Formulation 1 reminiscence happened only a few brief 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.

Nonetheless, the time for speaking attracts to an in depth rapidly 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 essential 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 next Lap 64 collision — the second that modifications the whole lot on the grid? Or will a number of days of respite and a few inner 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 in another way within the wake of Austria?

Over on social media not less than, there’s hope that within the days and weeks forward the 2 groups and drivers emphasize arduous however honest racing, because the “Norris versus Verstappen” battle that’s shaping up seems to be essentially the most intriguing title struggle since 2021. However, as we’ll notice 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 appear 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 long run, or will the incident and what it means on a private degree be the main target?

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 certain to be a charged atmosphere 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?

Picture by Mark Thompson/Getty Pictures

One of many extra fascinating viewpoints on the Norris-Verstappen conflict got here from McLaren Workforce Principal Andrea Stella. As you would possibly 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 comparable battles prior to now.

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

“However the issue behind it’s that should you don’t tackle these items truthfully, they’ll come again. They’ve come again immediately as a result of they weren’t addressed correctly prior to now when there have been some fights with Lewis [Hamilton] that wanted to be punished in a harsher approach. You study now to race in a sure approach, which we will think about honest 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 may see that incident right here and make your personal dedication.

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

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

Stella then concluded his ideas with Kravitz.

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

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

In order that leads us to the race stewards now, and the way they’ll deal with issues going ahead. They could level to the penalty handed right 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 beat back any additional incidents on the observe. Maybe they’re proper. However you finest imagine that if the #1 and the #4 come shut this weekend, quite a lot of eyes will likely be watching.

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

Can Meredes maintain their sizzling streak going?

As we now have famous over the previous few days the most well liked crew in F1 over the previous three race weekends?

Mercedes.

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

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

Can Mercedes maintain this streak going at Silverstone?

Phrase out of the crew was optimistic on that entrance within the hours after George Russell’s win in Austria. Within the crew’s post-race report on Sunday Lewis Hamilton famous that Silverstone would possibly swimsuit the present configuration of the W15. “We now stay up for 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 swimsuit us a bit of higher than right here in Austria so let’s see what we will do.”

Alongside comparable 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 crew 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 automobiles,” stated Wolff. “Our purpose over the following few races is to proceed to point out progress and purpose to get nearer to the entrance.”

Can they maintain it rolling this week?

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

Picture 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 large 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 latest weeks as a severe contender for his providers.

Sainz outlined forward of the Spanish Grand Prix {that a} determination was coming “quickly,” however appeared to take a distinct strategy within the moments after his podium end in Austria. When requested about his contract scenario 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 positive that strain, 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 believe it’s generally, like George was saying, we take it without any consideration after we’re on certainly one of these podiums, celebrating, carrying a Ferrari swimsuit, and I used to be considering, attempt to take pleasure in this second as a result of who is aware of when it’s going to be the following 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 can 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, but it surely’s such an essential determination for me additionally that I’m going to take on a regular basis that I have to 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 determination, and I’m going to try to be as trustworthy as potential with everybody and provides myself the time that I want.”

If — hypothetically — Sainz had been to signal with Williams, asserting it forward of the British Grand Prix could be one thing the Grove-based outfit could be eager to do. Will that be what occurs this week, or will this determination linger previous the British Grand Prix, and maybe into the summer season 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 latest 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 through 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 believe quite a lot of guys are ready for him to make a transfer after which finally all the opposite items of the puzzle will fall. That’s the reality of that.”

Magnussen discovered assist in Zhou Guanyu per week later. Through 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 desires to resolve on the finish of the day. However hopefully he could make his determination sooner,” stated Zhou. “After which I believe that can simply flip round loads the motive force market.”

Trying 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 another seat for the drivers searching for a trip. That may see Alpine transfer in the 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.

Nonetheless, ought to Sainz shock the paddock and signal with Alpine, then the Williams seat may very well 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 might 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 latest 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 through 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 believe quite a lot of guys are ready for him to make a transfer after which finally all the opposite items of the puzzle will fall. That’s the reality of that.”

Magnussen discovered assist in Zhou Guanyu per week later. Through 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 desires to resolve on the finish of the day. However hopefully he could make his determination sooner,” stated Zhou. “After which I believe that can simply flip round loads the motive force market.”

Trying 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 another seat for the drivers searching for a trip. That may see Alpine transfer in the 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.

Nonetheless, ought to Sainz shock the paddock and signal with Alpine, then the Williams seat may very well 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 might actually set a number of strikes into movement.

Can Ferrari cease the bleeding?

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

As famous above Mercedes has been the most well liked crew in F1 over the previous three race weekends. However wanting on the high 4 groups within the Constructors’ Championship standings, the crew 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 latest 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 troublesome week in Montreal, as they endured a points-less end result 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 crew along 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 believe, if something, it simply proves that the final two weekends haven’t been straightforward,” stated Sainz on Sunday when requested concerning the crew’s latest struggles. “We’ve been at all times the primary Ferrari ending behind the primary Mercedes. Even should you depend Canada, you may argue these three weekends in a row. So I believe 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 scenario at first of the yr.

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

Relating to Silverstone, Sainz indicated that the crew was working arduous 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 realize, to know the troubles that we’ve hit within the final couple of weekends and attempting to convey already for Silverstone a bundle that enables us to carry out a bit higher within the high-speed corners as a result of it’s clearly been our weak point,” stated Sainz. “Yesterday, Max was a lot faster by way of 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 need to be aggressive there. And we’re going to struggle the whole lot we will and attempt to discover the whole lot we will, sorry, to make ourselves extra aggressive there.”

With the short turnaround, Ferrari is beneath great strain to ship this weekend and stem the tide.

Which younger driver shines in follow?

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

Two groups have already introduced that younger drivers will likely be dealing with driving duties in not less than one follow session at Silverstone. Williams introduced that Franco Colapinto could be stepping in for Logan Sargeant throughout FP1, whereas Oliver Bearman will likely be getting within the cockpit of the VF-24 for the third of his six scheduled follow 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 phase of follow. Replace: Alpine has since confirmed that Jack Doohan will likely be driving in FP1 on Friday. That announcement comes forward of subsequent week’s essential testing session alongside Mick Schumacher

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

“I’ve so many feelings. I’m extraordinarily delighted and it’s a vital second in my life and my profession. I would be the most ready I can; I will likely be doing quite a lot of laps within the simulator and finding out the small print wanted to drive this yr’s automotive. I’m actually wanting ahead to experiencing the brand new automotive after driving final yr’s in Abu Dhabi,” stated Colapinto within the crew’s announcement. “To have the ability to drive it at a observe like Silverstone is a privilege, it’s certainly one of my favorite tracks and to drive it on the crew’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, nevertheless, that is his third stint in a follow 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 likely be in a seat at Haas full-time subsequent yr.

And Haas crew 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’s not [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?