Formula 1 celebrates it’s 70th Anniversary with a second race weekend at Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton dominated the event last week and appears to be in good form after topping FP2. His nearest challenger will again be team-mate Vatteri Bottas who managed 1st in FP1. However, despite multiple tyre failures last week, Pirelli have supplied the softer compound for the 70th Anniversary GP. With this comes an air of uncertainty, especially considering their durability. The Free Practice sessions will be crucial in gaining as much data as possible before lights out on Sunday.
Report:
Robert Kubica made another F1 appearance, replacing Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo for the first session. All teams attempted to get data on the new, softer tyres, but many drivers had issues in both sessions. The biggest problems appeared to be durability and how quickly the tyres drop off. Questions in particular have been raised about trying to avoid using them in the race altogether. A tantalising prospect come qualifying.
Both practices were reasonably issue free, but there were a few strong performances. Most notable of these was Nico Hulkenberg. The German driver managed P4 and P6, outperforming Stroll in FP1. He will be looking to make the most of this opportunity to race, following a disappointing DNS last week. Daniel Ricciardo’s Renault managed the overall ‘best of the rest’ title, with a solid time placing him 3rd in FP2.
Charles Leclerc also appeared to be strong, his final lap times were convincingly quicker than his team-mate’s. Sebastian Vettel had a premature end to his second session as his Ferrari broke down spectacularly through the old pit straight. This spread a large amount of oil across the track, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car and double waved yellows. The second session was brought to an end early as Anotonio Giovinazzi broke down as well. The red flag was waved with 1:20 seconds to go, and the session was never restarted.
Yet again, Mercedes dominated the sessions and it’s clear that the battle for the win will be between the Silver Arrows. Both drivers topped a session. However Lewis Hamilton had the most convincing gap, +0.176 ahead in FP2.
Mercedes look to extended their leads in both championships. However, there are many uncertain factors for the 70th Anniversary GP and most notable of these is the tyres. Most will want to avoid the soft tyre, but only Mercedes appear to be able to make Q3 without using it. This could shuffle up the midfield battle this week and the strategists may need to work overtime.
FP1 Standings:
- Bottas 1:26.166
- Hamilton +0.138
- Verstappen + 0.727
- Hulkenberg + 0.776
- Leclerc +0.896
- Albon +1.114
- Vettel +1.332
- Stroll +1.373
- Kvyat +1.487
- Ocon +1.535
- Gasly+1.541
- Norris +1.680
- Grosjean +1.742
- Sainz +1.972
- Russell +2.004
- Latifi +2.060
- Ricciardo +2.345
- Raikkonen +2.489
- Kubica +2.794
- Magnussen +3.153
FP2 Standings:
- Hamilton 1:25.606
- Bottas +0.176
- Ricciardo +0.815
- Verstappen +0.831
- Stroll +0.895
- Hulkenberg +1.140
- Leclerc +1.206
- Norris +1.261
- Sainz +1.312
- Ocon +1.322
- Albon +1.354
- Kvyat +1.396
- Gasly +1.522
- Vettel +1.592
- Grosjean +1.688
- Russell +1.714
- Raikkonen +1.929
- Magnussen +1.976
- Latifi +2.077
- Giovinazzi +2.349
Featured Image Credit: Formula1.com
