British Grand Prix: Stage Preview

      The race in Silverstone has typically been around the midpoint of the season in recent years, but this year, after the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, the calendar is still not finalized – it is unknown how many races there will ultimately be and where the season will conclude. The desire to increase the number of races is understandable – promoters are willing to pay generously for a spot on the calendar, and if someone is not ready, several others are ready to take their place. However, the tighter the calendar, the greater the dependence on external factors, making it harder to adhere to. European races appear to be more protected than those held abroad.

      Over the past ten years, out of 221 planned races, eleven have not taken place. The reasons have varied – from the pandemic to politics and weather. The conclusion of this year's calendar will be confirmed in mid-July, during the Belgian Grand Prix – it will be interesting to see what it ultimately looks like. The option with Barcelona and Portimão at the end seems more intriguing than the version with two races in Vegas.

      How interesting the power dynamics are changing this year. At the end of the regulation's validity, changes due to updates are almost imperceptible, but now it is easy to gain several positions, as was the case with Red Bull Racing in Spielberg. The emergence of another contender for victories adds intrigue, although the season's statistics rather indicate a lack of competition – Mercedes has seven wins in eight races. If they continue to dominate as confidently, the Constructors' Cup could be decided by Singapore.

      The championship title is traditionally more complicated. Last year, Kimi Antonelli had a poor European season, and this year is not shaping up well either – George Russell is quickly closing the gap (15 points for Kimi in the last two Grands Prix against 43 for George). The three remaining races before the summer break will play an important role. Currently, 40 points separate the Mercedes teammates. If Antonelli increases his lead, he will have a real chance to finish the season with a victory; if George levels the score, he won’t let it slip away. It will be interesting to watch this battle, especially with Hamilton and Verstappen involved. Despite one team's dominance, the races this year are visually appealing.

      The first Formula 1 race took place on May 13, 1950, in Silverstone. The first race with a Saturday sprint also took place in Silverstone – on July 18, 2021. This weekend we will see the 28th race with a Saturday sprint in the history of Formula 1. Max Verstappen has won the sprint most often – 13 victories. Lando Norris has four wins. Oscar Piastri and Russell have three each, Bottas has two, and Perez and Hamilton have one each.

      It took some time, but the public has gotten used to this format, which has its weaknesses, but it is still better than the reverse grid and other artificial solutions that work in junior series but not in the world championship. A full house in Silverstone is a tradition of Formula 1. Even in 1950, the race attracted one hundred thousand spectators. This is British sport with its heroes, regardless of what Liberty Media thinks.

      Most of the tickets are distributed by the track owners from the British Racing Drivers' Club through a club system. Getting to the British Grand Prix is almost as difficult as getting to the Wimbledon tennis tournament, which is also taking place now. The final match will be played a week after the race finishes, and in 2016, these events coincided, and in the evening, two Britons – race winner Lewis Hamilton and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray – held a joint party.

      The Silverstone stage is the most attended during the season. A year ago, 500,000 fans visited the racetrack over the weekend – a record for Formula 1, but this year the organizers expect 570,000 spectators over four days – and the format with the Saturday sprint will help with this.