Lewis Hamilton’s first Formula 1 win in 945 days was the highlight of this year’s rain-affected British Grand Prix. However, the weekend was packed with numerous plotlines and announcements. Here are the biggest stories that emerged from this year’s event at Silverstone.
Despite the usual jabs about a “classic British summer,” the 2024 British Grand Prix weekend was besieged by unseasonably cold and wet weather. It felt more like a reluctant farewell to winter rather than a sun-drenched July. While the fans who left their coats at home might have found the conditions less than ideal, the sporadic downpours added a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the Silverstone race. Victory seemed within reach for multiple drivers throughout the 52-lap contest, with all three British racers leading at different points. In a fitting finale to his Mercedes career, Lewis Hamilton clinched his ninth Silverstone win, adding another emotional chapter to his storied history at the circuit. This year’s Northamptonshire visit offered more than just racing thrills; the driver market buzzed with activity, rivaling the drama of an upcoming F1 film. Here’s a deep dive into everything we learned from the 2024 British Grand Prix weekend.
McLaren Dominates FP1 as Rain and Rookie Debuts Mark Opening Day at Silverstone
The opening day of track action at the 2024 British Grand Prix saw McLaren dominate the first practice session, with Red Bull notably absent from the top times. Lando Norris led FP1 with a 1m27.420s, followed by Lance Stroll for Aston Martin with a 1m27.554s. The session kicked off under typical British weather, with spots of rain delaying the track’s rubbering in.
Noteworthy moments included Yuki Tsunoda’s early spin into the Luffield gravel, limiting his laps to just five, and Oscar Piastri’s late pit stop due to a fuel cell problem. Additionally, four rookies made their appearances: Ollie Bearman at Haas, Jack Doohan at Alpine, Franco Colapinto at Williams, and Isack Hadjar in Perez’s RB20. This intriguing start was set for an exciting and unpredictable weekend at Silverstone.
Verstappen’s Struggles and McLaren’s Surge Highlight Rain-Interrupted FP2 at Silverstone
In the second practice session of the 2024 British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen initially showed promise on the medium tyres, setting the fastest lap with a 1m27.831s. However, as the session progressed, the Red Bull team made a strategic decision to switch Verstappen to soft tyres earlier than planned due to the threat of rain. This deviation from the norm saw Verstappen attempt a qualifying simulation, but an oversteer snap exiting Becketts forced him to abandon his lap.
As other teams adhered to their usual run plans, Charles Leclerc briefly topped the timesheets on mediums before Nico Hulkenberg’s surprising leap into contention for Haas. The McLaren duo then took control, with Oscar Piastri initially leading before Lando Norris clocked the fastest time of 1m26.549s. Sergio Perez slotted into third, 0.434s behind Norris, in a late run.
Verstappen’s second qualifying attempt on new softs was also cut short due to an oversteer moment, and as the session transitioned to long runs, the anticipated rain finally arrived, curtailing the action.
Data analysis revealed that Verstappen’s lower position in the FP2 standings was partly due to changing conditions, with rising wind and temperature making it harder for subsequent runners. Despite this, the increased track rubbering benefited his rivals. Red Bull’s RB20 excelled in high-speed sections but struggled with balance through Silverstone’s varied cornering demands, losing significant time in low-speed areas.
Overall, in FP2, with McLaren’s strong performance hinting at a potential Verstappen vs. Norris showdown and Red Bull working to fine-tune their setup for the challenging circuit.
Mercedes Dominate Wet FP3 as Rain Adds Drama to British Grand Prix Weekend
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two during a wet and dramatic third practice session at the 2024 British Grand Prix, outperforming McLaren’s Friday pace-setter, Lando Norris. Overnight heavy rainfall turned Silverstone into a challenging sodden track, requiring drivers to rely heavily on Pirelli’s intermediate tyres.
The session began with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen setting a cautious initial time of 1m54.798s, significantly slower than Norris’s Friday benchmark. Max Verstappen experienced a dramatic spin at the exit of Brooklands, while Pierre Gasly lost control under braking for Club, beaching his car in the gravel and causing a red flag.
Despite these challenges, Mercedes showcased their wet-weather prowess, with Russell leading the session and Hamilton close behind. Norris continued to show strong form, staying within striking distance of the Mercedes duo, suggesting that McLaren could be serious contenders for the rest of the weekend.
As the session progressed, drivers gradually adjusted to the conditions, with times steadily improving, even with Max nailing a perfect 360-degree spin on the track. The wet track leveled the playing field, turning strategy and tire management into crucial factors for qualifying and race day. With weather continuing to play a major role, the British Grand Prix was shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle at the storied Silverstone circuit.
Russell clinches Pole in Thrilling Wet-Dry British Grand Prix Qualifying
George Russell secured pole position at the 2024 British Grand Prix, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Lando Norris, after a nail-biting one-hour qualifying session. The session, divided into three segments with five cars being knocked out in Q1 and Q2 before the top-10 shootout in Q3, saw changing weather conditions adding an extra layer of drama.
Q1
The session kicked off in damp conditions, with Max Verstappen initially setting the pace on intermediate tyres with a 1m37.518s. As the track dried, Hamilton improved to 1m37.134s. A crucial turning point came when Red Bull’s Sergio Perez spun off at Copse, causing a red flag with 7m30s remaining.
Once the session resumed, drivers switched to slicks, though heavy rain loomed nearby. Verstappen went off at Copse but managed to navigate through the gravel, sustaining floor damage but avoiding a spin. Oscar Piastri then led with a 1m30.895s as a brief shower hit, but the track dried again for the final laps. Hamilton topped the timesheets with a 1m29.547s, followed by Russell and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Piastri dropped to sixth. Eliminated in Q1 were Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Esteban Ocon, Perez, and Pierre Gasly.
Q2
Oscar Piastri set the early pace in Q2 with a 1m26.945s, but the final runs were decisive. Lando Norris posted a 1m26.559s, besting Russell by 0.164s. Knocked out at this stage were Leclerc, Logan Sargeant, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyu, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Q3
In the first runs of Q3, Russell led with a 1m26.024s, narrowly ahead of Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, and Verstappen. On the final runs, Hamilton momentarily took provisional pole with a 1m25.990s, but Russell reclaimed the top spot with a blistering 1m25.819s. Norris aborted his final lap after a minor mistake, settling for third place. Verstappen managed fourth, followed by Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, Sainz, Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, and Fernando Alonso.
This qualifying session, marked by rapidly changing weather conditions and strategic tire choices. Russell’s pole position, secured under immense pressure, highlighted Mercedes’ strength and adaptability. While McLaren’s strong showing suggested that they will be formidable contenders throughout the weekend.
Hamilton Claims Record-Breaking Ninth British Grand Prix Victory in Thrilling Silverstone Race
Lewis Hamilton achieved a historic ninth British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone, holding off a determined challenge from Lando Norris. In a race marked by changing weather conditions and strategic pit stops. The win, Hamilton’s first since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, was an emotional and monumental moment for the Mercedes driver and his team.
The race began with pole-sitter George Russell leading the way. An intense battle soon unfolded between the Mercedes duo and the McLaren pair of Norris and Oscar Piastri. As the weather fluctuated, teams had to navigate the tricky switch between intermediate and slick tyres. Hamilton capitalized on the conditions, pitting for slicks one lap before Norris, who also faced a slow pit stop, allowing Hamilton to take the lead.
Mid-Race Drama and Strategic Mastery
Russell’s strong start ended in disappointment as he retired due to a water system issue. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen made a late surge to snatch P2 from Norris. Hamilton, however, maintained his position at the front, showcasing his skill and experience to secure the win. The Mercedes driver managed to hold off Norris and a charging Verstappen, crossing the finish line to the delight of the home crowd.
Final Standings and Key Performances
Norris secured a well-deserved third place, while Piastri finished fourth, reflecting McLaren’s strong performance throughout the weekend. Carlos Sainz took fifth place, followed by Nico Hulkenberg in sixth, delivering a solid result for Haas. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso secured points for Aston Martin in seventh and eighth, respectively, with Alex Albon finishing ninth for Williams. Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten.
Valtteri Bottas led the Kick Sauber team in 15th, while Esteban Ocon managed 16th for Alpine. Sergio Perez had another challenging race, ending 17th, with Zhou Guanyu finishing 18th for Kick Sauber. Pierre Gasly and Russell were the only retirees, with Gasly suffering a gearbox issue.
A Historic Victory and Emotional Moment
Hamilton’s win was a record-breaking ninth victory at the British Grand Prix, making him the most successful driver in the event’s history. The victory was an emotional one for Hamilton, who expressed his gratitude to his team and fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and hard work. “It means a lot to get this one,” Hamilton said over the radio, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.
“I can’t stop crying! It’s been since 2021, every day getting up, trying to fight, to train, to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team. This is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team, so I wanted to win this so much for them, because I love them, I appreciate them so much, all the hard work they’ve been putting in all over these years.
-Hamilton
The 2024 British Grand Prix was a thrilling and unpredictable race. Showcasing the best of Formula 1 with strategic brilliance, driver skill, and the ever-present element of weather drama. Hamilton’s historic victory will be remembered as a highlight of the season. Further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
Anticipation Builds for the Hungarian Grand Prix: The Next Challenge in the 2024 F1 Season
Following the excitement at Silverstone and the end of an amazing triper header, the 2024 Formula 1 season heads to the tight and twisty Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix, running from July 19th to July 21st. Known for its technical demands and minimal overtaking opportunities, this race will test the drivers’ precision and strategic acumen. With 6 different Winners in last 12 races, the contest has become interesting. The Budapest circuit’s challenging layout contrasts sharply with Silverstone’s high-speed nature, promising another thrilling chapter in the championship battle. Fans can expect intense practice sessions on Friday, a gripping qualifying round on Saturday, and an action-packed race on Sunday. As drivers navigate the intricate course in pursuit of victory.
Championship Standings after the race:
Verstappen extends his championship lead on top, while Perez slips to 6th and Piastri moves to 5th.
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