Heated Up

                                   

A surprise victory? A change in strategy? A perfect execution? 

Formula 1's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix did not fail in delivering another blockbuster of a race. Surely had it been a film, IMDB and rotten tomatoes would be filled with highly acclaimed reviews highlighting the topsy turvy nature of a race that celebrated 70 years of elite motorsport and sheer driving skill.  

A race that was expected to follow a similar pattern to what we have grown accustomed to took a slight deviation. That slight change being a non-Mercedes driver winning a Grand Prix this season. And who else would it be but young Max Verstappen. 

Putting pressure early on and keeping in close contact with Lewis, Red Bull forced Mercedes' hand as they had to pit early to remove their medium tyres which had severe blistering. Red Bull's package allows them to operate far more efficiently in warmer conditions, damaging their tyres less, which enabled Max to push beyond a limit that anybody thought was possible. Opening up a 20-second gap to 2nd placed Valtteri Bottas, he pitted without any fear that his position was going to be compromised. From there it was relatively smooth sailing as he came home safely (without any tyre delaminations) and took the coveted 2nd position in the driver's championship. 

Whilst Max drove a brilliant race, illustrating why he is paid 10 times more than his teammate Alex Albon who finished P5 (25 million dollars compared to the 2.5 Alex gets), it ultimately came down to Red Bull's genius long term strategy plan which had been initiated in qualifying the previous day. If you look back to the Q2, Max set his fastest time on the harder tyre in comparison to both the Mercs. This meant that he would be able to run a far longer first stint in the race, thus putting him a far more threatening position to contest for the win. This, coupled with the fact that Mercedes had severe tyre related problems due to the searing heat of Silverstone, gave Max the ability to not only attack Lewis and Valtteri but extend his lead out front making the victory seem too comfortable. 

Credit must be given where it is due, and in this case, it is to Christian Horner and his strategy team for playing the long game. Toto Wolff must be looking back thinking that it is definitely worth sacrificing a maximum of 3 tenths of a second in qualifying (when you are 1 second clear of the field), to be able to use the tyre that will last you longer in the race and enable you to get the victory that you ultimately know you have secured. After all, it is the hardest compound of tyres that were used last week to set the fastest lap - as the tyres became one level softer this week (which is slightly more technical - if you have any questions do let me know in the comments). Therefore, it is a no brainer to use the same tyres that helped you out so very well the week before. 

For a team who has made some incredible strategy calls, this seems to be a blemish on their resume. A blemish they hope to wash off soon. 

It was not only Mercedes though who struggled this weekend as temperatures skyrocketed in Silverstone. Mclaren, Alpha Tauri, and Renault all had severe blistering forcing them to all pit earlier than expected and compromise positions come the chequered flag. A special mention must be named to Charles Leclerc, finishing P4 to add to his incredible run this season with a car that unfortunately does not come to mind when you think of Ferrari. Sadly the same cannot be said about his teammate Sebastian Vettel who seems to be in a spot of bother at the moment. A lull period that, as fans of F1, we hope he gets out of soon. 

The midfield once again was full of action this weekend. Racing Point (Force India) bagged a load of points following a hefty fine and deduction of points as they were found to have used the rear brake ducts of the Mercedes W10 from last year. Unfortunately, Nico Hulkenberg was unable to get that ever so coveted podium that he has desired for so long after qualifying a brilliant P3. Esteban Ocon impressed in his Renault coming home in P8 with Lando Norris and Danil Kvyat rounding out the top 10. A day to forget for Danny Ric, Sebastian Vettel, and Carlos Sainz though as they all had their share of hard luck and driver error as it must be said. 

With the Spanish Grand Prix just around the corner, Mercedes and numerous other constructors will be paying great attention to the temperatures in Catalunya which are expected to be higher than what we witnessed this past weekend. Tyres will be a big talking point as we have never raced in Spain this late in the year. 

As temperatures rise and tempers flare, the next round of Formula 1's pandemic filled season is bound to be a nail biter. Off to Barcelona, we go. See you in a week's time!