Finally, the Formula 1 calendar has made its way back to Great Britain and I can’t wait to talk to you all about it. Let’s fly straight in.
The 306.198km race distance at Silverstone this weekend was highly anticipated by all fans – but quickly became halted with fear from a huge shunt into the first corner, including multiple cars with Zhou Guanyu (23) in the #24 Alpha Romeo and Alex Albon (26) in the #23 Williams.
Zhou was clipped, flipping upside down due to contact with Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell (24) in the #63 car. Zhou was wedged between the fence and tyre barrier for a while as the extraction team and medics worked to help the young Chinese driver out of the car. A frightening racing incident that impacted a lot of teams with damage; thankfully all drivers walked away unscathed – Albon and Zhou later getting medical clearance.
Russell quickly made his way out of his Mercedes formula one car and over to assist Zhou – an astounding effort and example of sportsmanship. Later stating, ‘I just wanted to see if I could help’.
Russell was not allowed to restart due to gaining assistance back to the pits – something he was animated by. Yuki Tsunoda (22) in #22 for Scuderia AlphaTauri and Esteban Ocon (25) in #31 for Alpine grabbing minor damage that was later fixed for the restart.
The restart got underway with cars starting from their original qualifying positions. Carlos Sainz (27) getting off the line with a much better start than his initial against 2021 World Champion Max Verstappen (24). A rocky and exciting few laps against both Scuderia Ferarri’s and Oracle RedBull’s as each tried to gain the advantage.
Verstappen ending up with damage from possible contact with carbon debris – potentially a tyre puncture; losing position to Sainz. His radio message ‘The tyres are not lovely’. A discovery led to the car with the big #1 having more damage than anticipated – body damage with moderate performance loss; less rear aero available which made it a frustrating run for the Dutchman.
This was later depicted as floor damage, effecting Verstapen’s race result drastically.
The rest of the race continued with hard racing that fans are delighted to see; Scuderia Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc (24) and Carlos Sainz fighting each other for the lead; Leclerc battling front wing damage. Radio messages back and forth as Leclerc tried his best to hold seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton (37).
A DNF for Valtteri Bottas (32) in car #77 for Alpha Romeo while the rest of the field battled it out for the time they had left at the Silverstone circuit. Disappointing finish to the weekend for the team but a good result that teammate Zhou got out of the car without injury – a fantastic result thanks to the Halo.
Hamilton took the lead of the race for a while, well and truly sticking to his guns to keep a large gap ahead of Leclerc and Sainz – Hammer Time underway to get the job done. Pierre Galsy (26) in the pits with an issue, gaining a DNF.
Scuderia Ferrari teammates told to race; clearance to fight each other for position. This unfortunately did not last long as a decision was made by the team to let Leclerc by Sainz, the team hopeful to make up time to reach Hamilton. A favourable and welcomed change for tifosi to see the British World Champion back at the top of the field.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas completed a pit stop of 4.3 seconds, slow enough for Hamilton to lose the best position over the Ferrari’s. A safety car deployed with twelve laps to go as Ocon’s car comes to a stop on the track – possible hydraulic issue. Unfortunate for Alpine after a rough start to the race.
The safety car bunched the field, allowing each team to pit, pick and choose the best tyre for the last stint of the Grand Prix. A mixture for an interesting sprint to the chequered flag.
The final ten laps brought immense pressure for Scuderia Ferrari, Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo (33) able to unlap themselves with FIA race director orders during the safety car.
Sainz receives team orders to give Leclerc ten car lengths; breathing space for the Monegasque. Sainz gains the lead from a mistake made by Leclerc, running away quickly to the chequered flag.
Sergio Perez (32) gets passed Hamilton, charging down Leclerc for P2. A heated battle between RedBull driver and Mercedes-AMG driver for a podium champagne refresher.
Perez attempts to snag P2 against Leclerc, a side by side battle as Leclerc goes wide allowing Hamilton to grab the position. Perez and Hamilton push each other hard, Perez grabbing P2 as Leclerc fights Hamilton for P3 – doors opening for position everywhere.
Hamilton and Leclerc were in an intense battle for the last step of the podium as the race came to a close – breathtaking as fans cheered loudly for home grown hero. Leclerc forced wide, fighting back and forth against another. Hamilton securing P3; back on the podium.
Mick Schumacher (23), driver for HAAS gains his first ever Formula 1 points in his career. The excitement clear as he gets close to Verstappen; fighting for P8 – a proud Sebastian Vettel (35) watching the battle unfold from behind. Schumacher runs out of road trying to make a move on the last lap; so close! Very well deserved championship points – and double for HAAS with teammate Kevin Magnussen (29).
Carlos Sainz checks off his first win during his 150th Formula 1 race. An admirable effort from the spaniard over Sunday’s time on track. A tough weekend with team orders, but an applaudable effort for Leclerc for hanging on with a broken front wing.
An epic weekend full of battles. What was your favourite moment of this years British Grand Prix?
Until next time,
Tayla Talks
Tayla Talks 
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