After the past three races that have been dominated by the Red Bull Racing team and Max Verstappen, Mercedes looks to flip the narrative and get back atop the podium as Formula One comes to the famed race track of Sliverstone for the British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton returns as the defending winner of the event.
Track Facts: The grounds of the Silverstone circuit are dated with British history. In 1942 during the second world war, the grounds were a Royal Air Force base that was in operation until 1946. The track has gone under many different configurations and upgrades until 2010 where the current 5.891 km (3.661 mi) has been used. Silverstone is one of the fastest tracks on the F1 calendar and has been one of the most technical tracks as well. With corners like Maggotts, Becketts, Corpse, and Abbey looking to give some of the best drivers in the world some challenges.
Event History: The first British Grand Prix was held in 1950 when Giuseppe Farina took his Alfa Romeo to victory lane. He also went on to become the world champion later that year. Since then, the British Grand Prix has bounced around other race tracks in the country. That was until 1987, when Silverstone became the designated track for the event. Lewis Hamilton is the only driver in Formula One history to win the event seven times. Joining him as the only other active winners of the event are both two-time winners in Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.
2020 Event: A remarkable drive by Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps secured his seventh win at Silverstone in his career, despite a left-front tire coming apart on the last lap. His teammate Valtteri Bottas also had a tire go down on lap 50 of the event, costing him a second place finish. Max Verstappen pitted with only a few laps to go and scored the fastest lap of the race. Margin of victory was only five seconds
Sprint Qualifying: The British Grand Prix will be the first event in F1 history to introduce the sprint qualifying format that was announced earlier this year. The event will be one-third the distance of the Grand Prix on Sunday. Designed to increase on-track action and engage fan interest in the days leading up to the event. On Friday, there will be a qualifying session to determine the sprint race line up for Saturday. The results of the sprint race will determine the grid for the British Grand Prix. The top three who qualify will receive championship points. First place receiving three points, second place with two points, and third place with only one point.
Event Predictions: With the potential of another exciting British Grand Prix ahead of us this weekend, it will be hard to think that anyone has the speed to battle with Hamilton and Verstappen. Add to that formula Sergio Perez from Red Bull and the McLaren of Lando Norris. Both of them could be knocking on the door to break through this weekend to the top of the podium. Ferrari will expect to continue a good points weekend as they have closed the gap to McLaren after Daniel Riccardo is still having disappointing finishes. Which is testing the patience of the McLaren front office.
Silverstone is known for being a drivers track, with so many opportunities to make a mistake, clean driving and the right strategy are keys to this weekend. With that being said, I believe Lewis Hamilton wins this weekend. Showing that Hamilton is still in this championship hunt.
You can watch the Formula One British Grand Prix at 9:00 A.M. EST on ESPN.