Silverstone

Silverstone is a special venue, wrapped up in the history of the World Championship since hosting the first round in 1950 and still providing some of the most challenging fast corners anywhere in the world, along with unpredictable weather and one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowds of the entire season. This year, the British Grand Prix occurs just as the heat in the championship battle has approached melting point. The recriminations from the last lap action in Austria will set the scene as Lewis Hamilton attempts to wrest the points lead for the first time this year at the track where he has experienced just about every emotion going. 
Reflecting on the incident between Lewis and Nico at the Red Bull Ring, I’m still excited that we had a battle and change of lead on the very last lap; that is such a rare thing at this highest level, and in fact the last time it happened was when Button took victory from Vettel at his famous Canadian win in 2011. And while Rosberg has been blamed for the contact that took place, I defy any racing driver not to fight tooth and nail to retain a possible victory with less than a lap to go. His attempt to hang on to the win was clumsy and ultimately cost him; in a way it was poetic justice that he dropped to 4th. However, just imagine the reaction if Hamilton’s car had suffered the damage and been unable to finish; that really would have caused some fireworks.
As it is, Hamilton lies just 11 points behind his rival but a win with Rosberg in second will not be enough to claim the championship lead. He needs a few others to become involved, and I really believe that could happen at Silverstone. Red Bull have scored a podium finish here every year since 2008, apart from last season. Their blend of highly efficient aerodynamics and stability should ensure a competitive car and both Ricciardo and Verstappen will be aware that this weekend offers some serious opportunities. Last year, Max was impressive in his Toro Rosso, never lower than 7th in the practice sessions, indeed 3rd fastest on Friday morning, but then it slipped away from him in qualifying and ultimately he made a rare mistake in the race, spinning off on the 3rd lap. Ricciardo was 3rd here in 2014 and an Australian has won the British GP on six previous occasions, with Channel 4’s expert Mark Webber responsible for two of them. 
Ferrari may struggle to be quite as competitive, but the team holds the record for most Silverstone victories at 13, and they’ve won against the formbook before; Alonso’s victory in 2011 came during a season dominated by Red Bull. Williams were mighty here twelve months ago, running 1-2 in the early stages, but having seen their performances in the last two GP on circuits that should have suited them, it’s hard to see them being a major factor. My underdog vote would go to Toro Rosso; Sainz qualified 8th here last year, and the car should suit the sweeps and swoops of Silverstone. 
Whatever happens, you can bet that Hamilton will be on an emotional high, coming from a last gasp victory in Austria to a massive level of support at his home race and with the target of claiming the points lead tantalisingly close. The atmosphere will be electric and I can’t wait for the action to begin.