Before a long-awaited British GP, Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft assesses the big talk points, offers his predictions and explains why he has high hopes for a resurgence of Mercedes at Silverstone …
Can anyone stop Verstappen at Silverstone?
Max Verstappen has been in disastrous form as he seeks to defend his F1 title this season, winning six of the nine races, while his Red Bull team has won six in a row. Are they favorites this weekend?
“Ferrari was stopping Max at the start of the season and have recently been in positions to stop Max Verstappen, but their reliability has disappointed them,” Crofty says.
“Charles Leclerc is probably driving as well as Max right now, but he has retired from the lead twice through no fault of his own, and had to start from behind in Canada, where he finished fifth. I thought he was very strong. impulse from him, since he did not just have the speed in a straight line.
Use the Chrome browser to get a more accessible video player
Relive Lewis Hamilton’s big crash with title rival Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix
Relive Lewis Hamilton’s big crash with title rival Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix
“What he has done very well in Max is to make the most of the opportunities that have been presented to him. He drives very well and you cannot criticize him. He himself has retired twice, and that was not his fault either.
“I think they’re pretty evenly matched, Max and Charles. I don’t think one or the other is driving much better than the other. They’re the two horses that make up this weekend, no doubt.”
Red Bull’s right to fear has improved Mercedes ’pace
Expectations are higher at Mercedes this weekend, with the team improving their car and optimistic that the Silverstone circuit will suit them more than the recent tracks. Can they, and drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, do it?
“This is a huge weekend for Mercedes.
“We went to Spain and they controlled our rebound, but then we went to street circuits – Monaco, Baku and Canada – which were much more rugged.
Silverstone should be a much smoother track and should reward the car’s features. If the updates they have brought work well, they should be prepared for a strong weekend.
Use the Chrome browser to get a more accessible video player
Mercedes technical director James Allison comments on the team’s opportunities at Silverstone
Mercedes technical director James Allison comments on the team’s opportunities at Silverstone
If that means they will be in the fight for victory, we will have to wait and see. But, I will make a bold prediction and say that Lewis Hamilton will break a record.
Not necessarily the record for most wins on a single circuit, though that doesn’t mean I can’t, but I hope to see it on the podium and therefore break the record for most podiums in a single test.
“I think Christian Horner is right in saying that Red Bull is wary of those around them, and it’s interesting that they don’t bring major updates to post-summer holiday updates.
“We could be prepared, and I hope we are ready for a very good battle against not between two, but three teams. They may not all be separated by a lot, which is what is running out. The crowd wants to see, the best riders out there. “
Hamilton will enjoy the challenge of the race at home
Hamilton has won eight startling British GPs, but arrives at Silverstone this year a distant sixth in the championship. But in the midst of a turbulent week, with the home hero who has condemned Nelson Piquet’s recent comments, Crofty recommends Hamilton face the Silverstone challenge again.
“I think Lewis has approached this whole week impeccably. I think his comments were absolutely right and I totally agree with him, it’s time for action and not just words.
Use the Chrome browser to get a more accessible video player
Sky Sports Craig Slater reviews Nelson Piquet’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react
Sky Sports Craig Slater reviews Nelson Piquet’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react
“Lewis will not be stimulated by what has happened, just as he has not been stimulated by those who doubt his ability, dedication and talent throughout his career. And he also thrives on the adoration he receives from the local fans. .
“That doesn’t mean they don’t support everyone else’s home favorites, but they save something special for Lewis and he keeps something special for them. Over the years he’s produced the products for the people who have come to Silverstone and expect to see him perform to the highest standards.
“Lewis loves Silverstone, and I’m sure he wants to get out in a car with improvements, which could reflect a little more on his driving talent, rather than one he’s had to try to make the most of so far. this year.”
Ferrari should not be beaten by Red Bull
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc were the first fugitive leaders in F1 2022, but Red Bull has backed them, without the help of costly reliability errors. Do they need a win this weekend to reverse the slide?
“We’re not even in the middle of the season, so it’s not a must-win for Ferrari, but I think Red Bull shouldn’t win! That’s the key.
Use the Chrome browser to get a more accessible video player
Charles Leclerc was frustrated with his career despite a brilliant recovery to finish fifth at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc was frustrated with his career despite a brilliant recovery to finish fifth at the Canadian Grand Prix.
“They can’t allow the difference to grow much further, because sometimes they’ve given things to Red Bull with a little bit of plate. They just need a solid weekend, where they win or lose the race.” will not be overtaken by Red Bull.
“I think the high and medium speed curves may be Red Bull territory, but there are also some slow curves and you need a bit of straight line speed. I don’t think it will necessarily favor Ferrari over Red Bull.
“But it’s also a track where Leclerc does very well, and if the race had been four laps shorter last year he would have won.”
The other great stories for British GP bumpers
Crofty takes a look at some of the other great conversation points up and down the grid.
“Will Russell be able to maintain that fantastic consistency? The top five of all races this year, so far, has been sensational.
“McLaren desperately needs a strong weekend for a combination of factors.
“It was unfortunate for them in Canada, but Lando Norris is the only driver outside of Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes to get on the podium this year. It’s not that he didn’t have it, and he’s doing well at Silverstone. Like Russell, his teammate Daniel Ricciardo also needs to find form.
“Alpine seems to have a very good package and have improvements this weekend. Esteban Ocon has scored points as often as Verstappen and Leclerc this year, while Fernando Alonso has also been showing Alpine’s pace.
“It’s also an important weekend for Aston Martin and Sebastian Vettel. I think Aston might come as a surprise: if the improvements work on their car, I think it will be competitive, just like in Baku.”
The F1 2022 is heading to Silverstone this weekend for the big engine summer event. Join Sky Sports F1 for extensive coverage over the UK weekend – the race will start at 2pm on Sunday 3 July.