Secrets and Surprises: What You Haven't Heard About the 2024 British Grand Prix
As Formula 1 preps for another action-packed weekend, all eyes are on Silverstone for the 2024 British Grand Prix. Moving from the scenic Spielberg to the historic Silverstone, this race marks the finale of an intense triple-header sequence. Here’s your ultimate guide packed with stats, trivia, insights, and much more to prepare you for one of the most enthralling races of the year. Check out how fans are predicting the action on the F1 Play predictor game.
A Glance at the Stats
- First Grand Prix: 1950
- Track Length: 5.891 km
- Lap Record: 1m 27.097s (Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2020)
- Most Pole Positions: Lewis Hamilton (7)
- Most Wins: Lewis Hamilton (8)
- Trivia: Silverstone hosted the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship round on May 13, 1950
- Pole run to Turn 1 braking point: 239 meters
- Overtakes in 2023: 50
- Safety Car Probability: 89%
- Virtual Safety Car Probability: 22%
- Pit Stop Time Loss: 19.9 seconds (including 2.5s stop)
Fan View: Fans are betting big on Lando Norris to steal the pole from Max Verstappen. After a dramatic incident at Red Bull Ring, all eyes are on Norris as he heads into a thrilling weekend at his home circuit.
The Circuit in Detail
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer weighs in: 'Silverstone is a driver’s paradise with its fast, flowing sequences and some of the best corners in the world. Copse, Maggots, and Becketts are the high-speed turns where G-force hits its peak. The change of direction through these corners is exhilarating. Slowing down through the final part is crucial for a good exit onto the Hangar Straight.'
Abbey, a flat-out corner, presents unique challenges when battling for positions, especially when following another car closely. Overtaking opportunities abound, particularly at Turn 3 and Turn 6. Brooklands, with its heavy braking zone, is challenging for even the best on the grid.
Recent Performances
The pole positions and race wins at the British Grand Prix have been diverse. Max Verstappen secured pole in 2023, while Ferrari's Carlos Sainz clinched it in 2022. Not to be forgotten, Lewis Hamilton has consistently dominated with poles in 2020 and 2019, and wins in both years.
For 2024, Verstappen remains the favorite, commanding the support of around 70% of F1 Play gamers. McLaren’s Norris follows closely, leaving Ferrari in a tight spot for a podium finish.
Tech Specs and Tyres
Silverstone’s demanding track, at 5.861 km, ranks as the fifth longest in the calendar. The circuit's fast corners, like Maggotts, Becketts, and Chapel, generate lateral forces on the tyres and drivers of over 5g. Pirelli has therefore opted for the hardest compounds – C1, C2, and C3.
With high wear on the front-left tyre due to several right-hand turns, teams must strategize carefully. Weather, always unpredictable in England, could be a wild card. Historically, a one-stop strategy has been popular, but varying conditions mean anything is possible.
Iconic Moments
2008 will forever be remembered for Lewis Hamilton’s first home win. A dazzling start from fourth saw him quickly take the lead, managing to finish more than a minute ahead of his nearest competitor. It was a masterclass in wet-weather driving, which you can relive in the video below.
Drivers and Teams: Current Form
The Austrian Grand Prix showcased the intensity between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Their fierce competition resulted in an unexpected win for George Russell. But as we head to Silverstone, all eyes will again be on Verstappen and Norris, with Mercedes eyeing opportunities to disrupt the status quo.
Ferrari seeks to bounce back after rough outings in Canada and Austria, while Aston Martin battles to stay competitive in the midfield. Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg is also gaining support as a potential dark horse.
Sustainable Silverstone
Silverstone is not just about racing; it's a model for sustainability. With 2,764 solar panels reducing grid electricity consumption, and all generators powered by HVO biofuel, the circuit aims to be Net Zero by 2030. The Fan Zone’s 'Zero Zone' features solar-powered food outlets, a recycling vending machine, and upcycled furniture.
This year, several charitable organizations will be represented, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Race Against Dementia. Additionally, scholars from the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship programme will get an insider’s view of the sport, meeting teams and influential leaders.
Silverstone captures the essence of F1 – blending fierce competition with innovation and sustainability. Get ready for an unforgettable British Grand Prix weekend.