Before the long-awaited British GP, Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft appreciated the big points of conversation, offered his predictions and explained why there are high hopes for a revival of Mercedes in Silverstone …
Can anyone stop Verstappen in Silverstone?
Max Verstappen is in ominous form as he tries to defend his Formula One title this season, winning six of nine races – while his Red Bull team has won six in a row. Are they favorites this weekend?
“Ferrari stopped Max at the beginning of the season and lately they were in a position to stop Max Verstappen, but their reliability disappointed them,” said Crofty.
“Charles Leclerc is probably driving as well as Max at the moment, but he 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 it was a very strong drive from him, given that he did not have the speed in a straight line.
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Experience the huge crash of Lewis Hamilton with title contender Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix
Experience the huge crash of Lewis Hamilton with title contender Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix
“What Max has done very well is to make the most of the opportunities he has. He drives extremely well and you can’t blame him. He himself has retired twice and it is not his fault either.
“I think they’re pretty even, Max and Charles. I don’t think one or the other drives so much better than the other. Without a doubt, they are the two horses for this weekend.
Red Bull has a right to fear Mercedes’ improved pace
Expectations are higher at Mercedes this weekend, as the team makes improvements to their car and is optimistic about the Silverstone track, which suits them better than the recent street tracks. Can they and drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell deliver?
“It’s a huge weekend for Mercedes.
“We went to Spain and they managed to jump, but then we went to the street tracks – Monaco, Baku and Canada – which were much more uneven.
Silverstone should be a much smoother track and reward the characteristics of the car. If the improvements they have brought work well, then they need to be tuned for a strong weekend.
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Mercedes Chief Technical Officer James Allison comments on the team’s chances at Silverstone
Mercedes Chief Technical Officer James Allison comments on the team’s chances at Silverstone
Whether this means that they will fight for victory, we have to wait and see. But I will make a bold prediction and say that Lewis Hamilton will break a record.
It’s not necessarily the record for most wins in a circuit – although that doesn’t mean it can’t – but I expect to see it on the podium and therefore break the record for most podiums in an event.
“I think Christian Horner is right to say that Red Bull are careful with the people around them and it’s interesting that they don’t make big improvements to the updates after the summer holidays.
“We can be ready and I hope we are ready for a really good battle in front of not two but three teams. the crowd wants to see the best drivers go wheel to wheel. “
Hamilton will enjoy the challenge in home racing
Hamilton won the stunning eight British GPs, but arrives in Silverstone this year as a distant sixth in the championship. But amid a tumultuous week – with the home hero condemning Nelson Pique’s latest comments – Crofty advises Hamilton to face the Silverstone challenge again.
“I think Lewis has approached everything flawlessly this week. I think his comments were absolutely accurate and I completely agree with him, it’s time for action, not just words.
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Craig Slater of Sky Sports goes through Nelson Pique’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react
Craig Slater of Sky Sports goes through Nelson Pique’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react
“Lewis will not be stimulated by what happened, just as he was not stimulated by those who doubt his abilities, dedication and talent throughout his career. In addition, he thrives on the adoration he receives from fans of the hosts.
“That doesn’t mean they don’t support all the other pets of the hosts, but they save something special for Lewis and he saves something special for them. Over the years, he has produced goods for the people who have come to Silverstone and they expect you to see him meet the highest standards.
“Lewis loves Silverstone, and I’m sure it itches him to get in a car with improvements that may be a little more reflective of his driving talents than the one he had to try and get the most out of. so far this year. “
Ferrari should not be defeated by Red Bull
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc were the first leaders in Formula 1 2022, but were detained by Red Bull without being helped by costly reliability failures. Do they need a win this weekend to reverse skating?
“We’re not even halfway through the season, so it’s not a mandatory victory for Ferrari, but I don’t think Red Bull should win! This is the key.
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Charles Leclerc was disappointed with his race despite a brilliant recovery to finish fifth in the Canadian Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc was disappointed with his race despite a brilliant recovery to finish fifth in the Canadian Grand Prix
“They can’t afford to let the difference grow much bigger because at times they’ve given things to Red Bull on a small plate. They just need a solid weekend in which whether they win or lose the race, they will not be beaten by Red Bull.
“I think high and medium speed turns can be Red Bull territory, but there are also a few slow turns and a little straight line speed is needed. I don’t think that’s necessarily in Ferrari’s favor over Red Bull.
“But it’s also a track that Leclerc is doing very well, and if the race had been four laps shorter last year, he would have won.”
The other big stories about the British GP armor
Crofty looks at some of the other big talking points up and down the web.
Can Russell maintain this fantastic sequence? Top five in every race this year – so far he has been sensational.
“McLaren desperately needs a strong weekend due to a combination of factors.
“It was a pity for them in Canada, but Lando Norris is the only driver outside Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes to be on the podium this year. Not that he doesn’t have that in him – and he’s doing well in Silverstone, just like Russell. Daniel Ricciardo also needs to find form.
“Alpine seems to have a really good package and there are improvements this weekend. Esteban Ocon scored points as often as Verstappen and Leclerc this year, while Fernando Alonso also showed the pace of Alpine.
“It’s also a great weekend for Aston Martin and Sebastian Vettel. I think Aston may be a surprise – if the improvements work on their car, I think it will be competitive, just like it was in Baku.”
F1 2022 is heading to Silverstone this weekend for the big summer motorsport event. Join Sky Sports F1 for extensive coverage over the weekend of the British Grand Prix – the race starts at 14:00 on Sunday, July 3.
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