This year’s British GP promises far more intrigue than it did twelve months ago. The controversy surrounding Verstappen and Norris, in addition to a more competitive field, creates a far more interesting dynamic this weekend. Red Bull have a significant update for the RB20, which will include the floor and diffuser, among other components.
Silverstone’s characteristics are closer to the Barcelona circuit than Spielberg’s. McLaren and Red Bull should be closely matched, whilst Mercedes take upgrades to a circuit that should be well-suited to the W15.
Ferrari are in their worst patch of 2024, as bouncing compromises the SF-24’s performance and stability. The Italian team is working to prevent their latest upgrades from further compromising overall balance.
BRITISH GP: RED BULL RESPOND RO RIVALS WITH AN IMPORTANT UPDATE PACKAGE
Over the course of the season, Red Bull’s advantage over the competition has shrunk significantly. They began the year with an advantage of four tenths, which has now virtually evaporated.
The RB20, however, appears to have made progress in the fast sections. It also maintains a slight advantage in the slow-speed sections. Red Bull also have a very effective DRS system, which is partly why Verstappen qualified so well in Austria.
According to what formu1a.uno has learned, Pierre Wache’s engineers are introducing a significant package of developments. Red Bull’s updates will address the macro components of the RB20 – the floor and the diffuser.
So far, McLaren has had the upper hand in the development battle, gaining almost half a second on Red Bull. After a series of reasonable, though far from transformative, upgrades, the Milton-Keynes-based operation must find more performance.
At Silverstone, there is one fewer DRS zone than in Austria. This should benefit McLaren, who have a slightly less effective DRS than Red Bull. The medium-speed corners also favour the British team.
Over the last few rounds, the MCL38 has shown very good tyre management. McLaren have a very complete package on race day, so their main priority will be to ensure a strong Saturday performance.
Meanwhile, the advantage offered by the Honda power unit could also be an important boost for Red Bull. The unknown factor for this weekend could be Mercedes, who have steadily closed the gap to Red Bull. After their victory in Austria, Mercedes will hope for another competitive weekend with the W15.
For Ferrari, the British GP will be a great test. The Scuderia’s engineers will be tasked with optimising downforce whilst preventing the bouncing from previous rounds.
The track’s main characteristics do not help Ferrari. Since their Spanish GP updates, Ferrari have struggled in the high-speed corners, which often generate instability.
On the other hand, Silverstone’s smooth track surface should benefit Leclerc and Sainz. Pirelli’s selection of the hardest range of tyre compounds should also help the SF-24.
BRITISH GP: WEATHER ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT VARIABLE IN SILVERSTONE
The unknowns at Silverstone start with the weather forecast. As it stands, there could be significant rain both on Friday and Sunday. The expected temperatures vary between 16° and 18°C over the three days.
This could be a huge boost to Mercedes, who can generate more heat into their tyres in cool conditions than their rivals.
Further down the grid, Haas arrives with an updated underbody on the VF-24 in an effort to improve high-speed performance, a major weakness in 2024 so far.
Points in Austria helped Ayao Komatsu’s team leapfrog Alpine in the constructors’ standings. However, Alpine are making steady progress with the A524. VCARB are also a threat, especially as they get on top of their recent upgrades.
Technical director Jody Egginton is confident: “We’ve gained a lot of insight into our recent aero updates, which has allowed us to converge on an optimised aero package for Silverstone.”
