Drivers anticipate significant changes at Silverstone
The upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone is expected to present a significantly altered experience for drivers due to the new car regulations. Both Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris have expressed concerns that the high-speed circuit will feel different, with cars struggling for power. Silverstone is known for its demanding high-speed corners, but the new regulations mean cars will be energy-starved, operating with reduced engine power at crucial sections of the track.
Lewis Hamilton noted that the track will be “a completely different circuit.” He highlighted that the lack of braking points on the long straights will limit energy recovery, leading to cars running primarily on their internal combustion engines in certain areas. The engines this year feature a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, with 350kW from electricity and just over 400kW from the engine.
Hamilton explained that drivers will begin losing power deployment as they enter corners like Copse. He anticipates having to downshift from seventh to sixth gear to maintain higher revs, and that sections like Maggotts and Becketts will not feel the same, potentially requiring drivers to lift and coast. He also suggested that Ferrari’s performance deficit to Mercedes could be more pronounced at Silverstone compared to the recent Austrian Grand Prix.
Energy management challenges and safety concerns
The new regulations classify Silverstone as an “energy-starved” track because the absence of heavy braking zones restricts opportunities for battery recharging. This necessitates drivers to regain energy through techniques like “superclipping” at the end of straights, which can reduce speed, and potentially lifting and coasting. Lando Norris of McLaren echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, stating that the track will offer fewer challenges compared to previous years, particularly in high-speed sections like Copse, Maggotts, and Becketts.
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin also commented on the situation, noting that with reduced power deployment, the cars have significantly less power than in the previous year and even less than F2 cars. This presents a considerable challenge for the drivers.
Mercedes driver George Russell, the winner in Austria, suggested that these energy management issues could make for more interesting racing. He believes that while drivers might notice the difference on onboard cameras, the majority of fans attending the event or watching from home might not perceive the change. Russell pointed out that the governing body, the FIA, decided against allowing a straight-line mode between certain turns for safety reasons. This decision was maintained after five out of eleven teams voted against reversing it, despite Mercedes being in favour of the change.
Some teams reportedly had safety concerns regarding specific parts of the track where the straight mode might have been reinstated. Formula 1 has already made decisions to adjust the ratio of internal-combustion to electrical power over the next two seasons to help mitigate these issues.
Drivers’ parade with Lego cars
Ahead of the race, the drivers’ parade on Sunday will feature drivers in individual cars constructed from Lego bricks as part of a promotional event. Each driver will have their own car, made from 28,000 bricks and limited to 25km/h, following a similar event in Miami last year where teammates shared a single car.
However, both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed reservations about participating. Hamilton questioned his involvement, humorously referring to it as “the most dangerous part of the weekend” and recalling a previous incident where drivers crashed into each other. Despite his comments, a spokesperson confirmed that Lewis will be taking part in the Lego “race.” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was also critical, suggesting he would prefer to play with Lego at home or stand on a truck with other drivers, stating that Formula 1 drivers should not appear as “kids and clowns trying to ram into each other.”
Max Verstappen also concurred with his fellow drivers regarding the impact of the new regulations on the track experience. Norris, addressing speculation about Verstappen potentially joining McLaren, stated his belief in his ability to compete against any driver, including Max, Lewis Hamilton, or Fernando Alonso, highlighting Verstappen’s consistent performance across practice, qualifying, and races.
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Source: bbc.co.uk