Sainz sticks with Verstappen, Leclerc-Alonso issue unsolved

My favorite is Max Verstappen. his red bull, at the old airfield silverstoneIt feels like home. Because the behavior on the course with many high-speed curves is very good, it flies with more propulsion than ever before. The Dutchman is a big favorite for pole position and victory. F1 British Grand Prix This weekend he dominated the two free practice sessions of the day. In the first session, Max beat teammate ‘Czech’ Perez by a tenth of a second. However, in the second training, Carlos Sainz took responsibility for reminding him that Ferrari could be there trying to get closer, at least until the turn. after being placed in Only 1/22,000th of the best time achieved by Max Verstappen.

It seems very unlikely that Max will crash at Silverstone. However, anything could happen in this Saturday’s qualifying session, as it is likely to be raining and a session against time in complex and changing conditions.

Of course, the Dutch’s sense of security, confidence and great driving moments leave no one hopeless. Over the years, Max has proven himself to be an infallible pilot in both dry and wet conditions. Set the time to do a really complex and delicate final classification. Despite the conditions, his hand did not fail, as did the team, who always put their drivers on the track at the right time and set the best times. Ferrari will have another chance to put the pressure on him this Saturday. If Max fails, the Italian can stand there with a lightning-quick Carlos. Here the question becomes Leclerc.

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The Monegasque had problems with his car, and a fire broke out in it. Despite being unable to run in Free Practice 2, the car will be back on the asphalt this Saturday. But Charles will lose a very important session to add turns and learning on the race’s signature course. This Saturday could see a repeat of the delicate condition he has suffered so much over the last Saturday. If Charles can’t solve his problem in the rain, he might have another rough day at the office. Carlos, instead, put in some great performances on the water in Barcelona and Austria.

A new step for Ferrari

Whether or not he can challenge Mercedes, the Italian will at least be able to rejoice in the big improvement. Just three races ago in Barcelona, ​​they unveiled a new package that failed to solve their race pace and degradation problems. In Canada the team improved and in Austria it brought more news after a race against time at the Maranello factory working full speed and smoke to get the team out of the private hall. Now that seems to have been confirmed. Following the good pace of the Austrian race, the Italians brought more novelties to the track this Friday, including new ‘beamwaying’, which also paid off. Sainz thus improved the feel of the car in the afternoon and was able to catch up with Max not only with good ‘proper’ simulated turns, but also with good race pace.

Growing group of persecutors

Ferrari therefore stands as a podium contender at Silverstone as one of the front-runners to lead the larger and more unpredictable chase group. Much was expected of Mercedes, who had been favorites to win the last race for the third draw on the podium. But the people from the stars were missing all day long. FP1 didn’t test the software and seemed to be hiding. But in FP2 Russell was 12th and Hamilton 15th. Saturday tends to be better, but the performance is unknown.

Alonso, unrepresentative time

With Fernando Alonso 10th, 1.056 behind Verstappen’s time, and team-mate Lance Stroll 0.788 behind in sixth, there are also many questions about what Aston Martin can do. Lance’s times make it clear that the Spaniard has more car, but this time he suffered a frustration with his left front tire during a stint on the softs and his times are representative. It shouldn’t be.

Yes, Aston Martin has done a good job in the long run with the reversal program they ran. Two drivers tested different tires on track at the same time, collecting important data on the new Pirelli tyres. It debuts at the race this weekend. Alonso was very consistent on the soft and Lance tested the durability of the soft to see if it was an option on Sunday. Before, you have to focus on the important “qualifications”. Alonso knows he needs to qualify better than Austria to aim for the podium. You have to fish in rough rivers with “quarries” that can be wet.

Williams makes a peek

In that front group, McLaren will have to see if Norris’ good performance in Austria can continue with some of the new features already on the two cars. Piastri was ninth and Lando was 14th. And if Alpine manages to improve after the first day when Gasly was eighth. What is clear is that Williams can start on his right foot and lift his head at Silverstone. Alex Albon was third on 0″218 and teammate Sargent was fifth on 0″688.