Predictions for the 2022 British Grand Prix
By Joe Murphy
Formula 1 returns home in a matter of days as fans around the world await the 2022 British Grand Prix from the world famous Silverstone circuit. Last year saw an epic opening lap crash, a red flag and a comeback win from national icon Lewis Hamilton. The history is more steep than this, however. Over the years, the track has seen some monumental moments around its fast corners and daring straights. The question is, what could be in store for us this weekend?
A Dutch Domination…
This venue hasn’t been one of Max Verstappen’s favourites, that is for sure. However, it is the kind of track that is suited to a driver of his talents. It is quick and unforgiving meaning that Verstappen could use his skill to pull away from an almost inevitable Pole Position. If Max is indeed ahead after the first lap on Sunday, he could run away with the win. A Grand Slam is something that could genuinely be possible this weekend. No Sprint Race this year around Silverstone makes his task slightly easier. His teammate could be in contention for a podium also, but expect team orders to be enforced if needed. It’s slowly becoming Max’s World Championship to lose. In the interest of competition, there will be many who hope the Dutchman suffers some kind of failure this weekend. However, this seems unlikely with Red Bull appearing to put their early season demons, to rest.
Is Charlie out of the running?
After what was such a promising start to this year’s campaign, Charles Leclerc now finds himself 49 points behind the leader of the Driver’s Standings. That is a big gap, especially as we head into a sequence of the season where Max has been incredibly strong over the last couple of years in particular. He has to stay in touch, and we could see similar desperation to keep tabs on the runaway leader, much like we saw in the opening sequence of last years race. Realistically, however, Ferrari are the outsiders for this race, and will probably have to settle for second best. Over recent weeks, both Ferrari drivers have put the reigning World Champion under pressure. Ultimately, he has dealt with this pressure incredibly well. If, in 2023, Charles and Carlos can get a reliable car that stays as fast without Mercedes making huge gains, perhaps then they will be genuine contenders. For now, it appears as if they are just short.
Lando set to improve, albeit temporarily…
McLaren are set to unveil their final performance enhancing development of the season, at this week’s race. This year has been nothing short of a disappointment for the Orange team, with both drivers seemingly less competitive than this time last year. It wasn’t long ago that Lando was on the brink of a win around a wet Russian Sochi circuit. Whilst a handful of points may not be as good as they may have hope for, its about as good as they can realistically expect. For Lando Norris in particular, he has struggled over the last several weeks. From battling illness to finishing behind his teammate in two consecutive weeks for the first time since the Australian joined the team, he needs a strong showing to give him that all important confidence boost. Where better than at your home country to get your season back on track?
How will the British Mercedes pair get on?
Aside from Lando Norris, the other hometown heroes are the Mercedes pair of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. The seven time champion has had unmatched success at this venue, with a part of the track named after him following such a career. This time last year, he managed to win the British Grand Prix, despite a 10 second penalty for that now infamous collision with then title rival, Max Verstappen. Whilst repeating the feat this weekend is, in itself, rather unlikely. A solid points finish is about what we can expect from Lewis. Fifth perhaps. For his younger teammate, George Russell has enjoyed rather more consistent fortunes this year. He has impressed in his first few months with the team, even leading his more experienced compatriot at this stage of the season. A betting man would be wise to back George to continue his strong run of form, but as an ‘out there’ pick, this could be the weekend where his top five finishing streak ends. At a race where it is extremely plausible that both Ferrari’s and ared Bull’s finish, he will certainly struggle to achieve this feat, again.
Mistake to cause a surprise podium…
Whilst this prediction potentially renders the previous one redundant, but there is every chance that both could happen. Silverstone is a difficult beast to manage and getting through without a mistake is extremely difficult. The thing with Silverstone is how unforgiving it is. We could see any driver take advantage of a well-timed Safety Car. Sebastian Vettel, Estaban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas or Pierre Gasly are any number of drivers who could potentially find their way to a step on the podium on Sunday. Perhaps the former is a safe bet, with the Aston Martin man on a hot streak of points finishes as of late. Expect at least one of these drivers to at least break into the top six, if not going one better and celebrating with Champagne come Sunday afternoon.
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