British Grand Prix – Presentation and predictions by the editorial team

Two weeks after the Canadian Grand Prix, Formula 1 is back for the tenth round of the season at Silverstone. The first circuit to have hosted the Formula 1 is back in action after a eventful 2021 edition.

A legendary circuit

The Silverstone circuit features 18 turns along its 5.891 kilometers. Ten right-hand bends and eight left-hand bends await the drivers for the 57th edition of the British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is the most successful home driver with 8 victories, ahead of Alain Prost’s 5 and Jim Clarke, Nigel Mansell, and Michael Schumacher’s 3 each.

The legendary Silverstone circuit also has a few turns to watch out for by the drivers. “Copse,” the ninth turn, is known to be taken at full throttle, which represents a significant physical challenge for the drivers. It is where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided last year, sending the Dutchman into the wall.

We must also be cautious of the sequence of turns 11 to 14, which are always challenging. It was at this spot that Max Verstappen executed a superb overtaking maneuver on Nico Rosberg in 2016 through the Becketts and Chapel curves.

The track will feature two DRS zones, first on the straight between turns 5 and 6 and then on the one between turns 14 and 15.

The choice of Pirelli.

The Italian manufacturer has decided to bring its hardest tires to Silverstone. The C1, C2, and C3 will be used on an extremely demanding track for the tyres. In 2020, several drivers had suffered punctures, including Lewis Hamilton, the leader, on the last lap. The British driver managed to narrowly win the race on three wheels, but Pirelli was heavily criticized.

It’s race week, as @F1 heads to Silverstone for the #BritishGP! 🇬🇧

The circuit is one of the most challenging tracks for tyres of the season due to the energy demands on the tyres. Here’s what you need to know👇https://t.co/8kbc56TwmI#F1 #Fit4F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli #Pirelli150 pic.twitter.com/M0acq63TWS

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) June 27, 2022

The stakes of the race.

Max Verstappen has the opportunity to make a big impact at Silverstone. The Dutch driver already has a 46-point lead over his teammate Sergio Perez and a 49-point lead over Charles Leclerc after his victory in Montreal. Another win could enable him to secure the championship once and for all and soar towards a second world title.

But he will have to beware of Ferrari, very fast in Canada. Charles Leclerc, incredibly unlucky in recent weeks, will certainly be seeking revenge, as will Carlos Sainz, who came very close to his first victory on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

We must not underestimate the Mercedes either, whose two drivers are racing at home. The W13 arrives in Great Britain with new improvements that could perhaps allow them to make a big impact. George Russell, author of nine top 5 finishes in as many races, will want to continue his impressive streak and maybe even aim for his first victory. As for Lewis Hamilton, there is no doubt that he will want to secure his ninth victory at home, following his podium finish in Canada.

The editorial predictions

The editor’s office is divided for this Great Britain Grand Prix. Many of us are predicting a new duel between Verstappen and Leclerc that would tilt more in favor of the Monegasque.

But above all, almost unanimously, we see at least one Mercedes on the podium this Sunday. While two of us envision a victorious Lewis Hamilton at home, two others place him on the podium, and, most importantly, five believe that Russell will step onto the podium.

On the other hand, as for the pole position, the majority is casting their vote for Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, which has been formidable in qualifying this year. Who will be right? The answer will be revealed this Sunday at 4pm.