The fourth race of the 2020 Formula One race is outlined by our correspondent in Europe Nick van der Meulen in his report F1 Review 70th Anniversary GP.

Silverstone hosted the British Grand Prix for 2020, with a second running at the same circuit taking place a week later. This race was branded the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. This weekend, Pirelli had softer compound rubber on offer and, after the near disaster at the closing stages of the race the previous weekend (read our review here), it is clear that each driver would have to stop at least twice.

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Pre-race favourites

While, as expected, Mercedes dominated qualifying – this time, Valtteri Bottas taking pole position from his illustrious team mate, Lewis Hamilton, this weekend’s headline was the third fastest driver in qualifying. Nico Hulkenberg stole the show by finishing best of the rest and wholly outperforming teammate Lance Stroll.

Again, Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda) showed his support by being pleased for “the Hulk” and stating that he should still have a full time seat in F1. He maintained his lead over Stroll until seven laps from the end when the team pulled him into the pits for soft tyres. The report is that the German was suffering from severe vibration from his right rear wheel and the team decided to pit him to ensure he reaches the chequered flag. As a result, “the Hulk” finished in seventh place behind Stroll (who placed sixth).

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Strategic moves

Tyres had a role to play at Silverstone – this time due to Pirelli’s options on offer and many drivers began pitting within the first 10 laps of the race. Verstappen stayed out much later than his rivals (he started on the harder compound, while his rivals began on mediums), which allowed him to power past Bottas easily to retake the lead at half distance.

Verstappen and Bottas stopped together for the second time and Mercedes could not do enough to jump the Red Bull Racing team in the pits. Hamilton was forced to stop late, which put paid to his chances of victory. It was a fine victory for Verstappen and strategically well planned by the team. Hamilton had to be content with second place, after blasting ahead of his Finnish teammate in the dying stages of the race.

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Vettel’s woes continue

Sebastian Vettel’s (Ferrari) race began miserably, with the four-time world champion losing the tail end of his machine in the first few turns of the race and dropping to the tail of the field. His miserable streak at the red team continues, finishing outside the points. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, had another barnstorming race, quietly working his way to a fine fourth position with a one-stop strategy. He proved, once again, that he could punch above his weight, achieving results that the car is not expected to do.

Naughty naughty

Kevin Magnussen (Haas-Ferrari) had his fingers rapped by the Stewards again today, after a hard pass on Nicolas Latifi (Williams-Mercedes) early in the race, being penalised five seconds for his conduct. He will have to watch his behaviour now that Hulkenberg has made his presence felt in the paddock again.

Also rans

Renault looked promising for the race after Daniel Ricciardo qualified in fifth place, however, it all went awry when passing Carlos Sainz just after half distance and he spun out of contention. Esteban Ocon managed to finish eighth, however.

Honourable mentions in the race include Alex Albon’s fifth position (Red Bull Racing-Honda) after a miserable qualifying and start, Lando Norris (McLaren-Renault) scored a low-profile ninth place, after an unusually difficult weekend for the team, and Daniil Kyvat (Alpha Tauri-Honda) managing to snatch the final point away from teammate Pierre Gasly, after Gasly had looked the stronger candidate the entire weekend.

The next round is to be held in Barcelona next weekend, Spain, keeping the F1 circus on their toes with not much time to rest.