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 Britain 2020.

Silverstone hosted the 2020 British Grand Prix, the first of another back-to-back racing situation held at the same circuit (read the current 2020 calendar at this link). The circuit, an airfield converted into a racetrack for the first Grand Prix in 1950, is still fast and open today and gusts of wind play a stronger role at this circuit than others on the F1 calendar. Reigning world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has been the dominant force at his home track and this season has been no different: his dominance in qualifying (shattering the track record) was an ominous warning to his rivals.

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Covid-19 rears its head

Sergio Perez (Racing Point-Mercedes) tested positive for Covid-19 in the week, after a visit to his family in Mexico. While “Checo” is well and in good spirits, he was forced to self-isolate and Racing Point had to make a last-minute decision. Enter Nico Hulkenberg! “The Hulk” was the epitome of professionalism: he arrived, tested for Covid-19, ran into the paddock and began.

Wearing Stroll’s overalls and boots, the German impressed by running in the top 10 all weekend (despite complaining of a sore butt in Free Practice 1). Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda) feels “the Hulk” should still have a full time seat in F1. Despite all the German’s efforts, though, 15 minutes before the start his car was hauled into the pits and he failed to make the start as a result. It was subsequently announced the Racing Point machine had a power unit issue. It was a superb performance from a truly underrated driver – and he has no idea whether he will be driving next weekend.

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Tyre woes

Tyres had a role to play at Silverstone – not for the first time (remember Ferrari’s double tyre failure in 2017?). The last two laps were heart-stopping, where Valtteri Bottas, who had been running a comfortable second for the entire race, had his left front tyre let go with two laps to go. Carlos Sainz (McLaren-Renault), who had been running strongly, had a similar problem on the same lap. Verstappen, who just took second place from Bottas, pitted as a safety measure and to take fastest lap on the final lap, but this will leave him lamenting as to what could have been, as Hamilton’s tyre delaminated on the final lap. The Englishman had enough lead to take his crippled mount to the chequered flag. Bottas, unfortunately, could not pass Vettel on the final lap and lost out on scoring points, as did Sainz.

Early shunt

Another issue involving tyres took place much earlier in the race, when Daniil Kyvat (Alpha Tauri-Honda) had a right rear puncture at Becketts, which resulted in huge impact with the wall. The Russian was fortunate enough to walk away from his wrecked machine, however.

Kevin Magnussen ended up in the wall at the end of the first lap after contact with Alex Albon. The Dane ran a bit wide at the final corner and Albon took a gap, which closed on him. Magnussen is not known for giving rivals any room and he paid the price for it today. While the Thai driver did try to back out of the pass, he was penalized five seconds for the move.

Romain Grosjean, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), received a warning for unsportsmanlike driving when he moved at the last millisecond to protect his position from Carlos Sainz (McLaren-Renault). He performed a similar move on Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) later in the race and there will strong words to be had for the Frenchman’s track conduct.

Mixed fortunes

Ferrari had mixed fortunes, where Charles Leclerc was excellent in qualifying, while Vettel struggled into the top 10. Both drivers maintained their pace in the race, but Leclerc was gifted third position after the last-lap drama, while Vettel claimed the final point on offer.

Lando Norris is gaining a legion of fans this season. Playful during the lockdown, taking part in online races and calling other drivers for “advice” while playing, he has been a revelation on track, with some phenomenal passes being staged throughout the shortened season. At Silverstone, the hometown lad was no different, making some fantastic passes during the race en route to fifth position. This, after having a competition for his fans on social media for a special design of his helmet – the winner being a six-year-old named Eva.

Impressive

Honourable mentions in this race go to the Renault drivers, Ricciardo finishing fourth and Esteban Ocon sixth, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri-Honda) seventh, with Albon recovering to eighth ahead of Lance Stroll (Racing Point-Mercedes). It was expected that the Canadian would perform well at Silverstone, but he was solid at best throughout the day, fading in the latter stages of the race.

Next weekend’s Grand Prix, to be held at the same circuit, will be using softer tyre options from Pirelli. Judging by what happened this weekend, there will be a need to change strategy for race day.