F1 will return to Le Castellet next weekend for the much anticipated French Grand Prix. 2018 and 2019 naturally indicated that Paul Ricard’s track had the least to offer in terms of overtaking opportunities. But this time around, there are a lot more factors to consider, including the two great minds, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Their rivalries boil up with every weekend, and here we are at round 7 of the F1 season in 2021, with only 4 points separating the title contenders. Take a look at the factors that could add spice to the upcoming racing weekend.
Tight battle between the midfield F1 teams
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Paul Ricard is a high downforce track that offers an equal mix of fast and slow corners. Hence, the F1 teams could opt for a shared strategy with the rear wings, sending one driver out with a lighter rear wing and the other with a much heavier rear wing.
Formula 1 F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – Ferraris Charles Leclerc after qualifying in the pole position pool over REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
Therefore, this will play a crucial role in terms of pace in both qualifying and the race. Ferrari could again push for an aggressive setup that could produce a strong one-lap pace, potentially giving Charles Leclerc a chance to secure his third consecutive F1 pole.
And McLaren and AlphaTauri could also follow in the footsteps of the Maranello team and leave Aston Martin and Alpine at an effective racing pace. So it could be very interesting to watch the midfield fight over the weekend.
DIVE DEEPER
Lewis Hamilton versus Max Verstappen
This is definitely one of the biggest talking points ahead of the Le Castellet race weekend. Hamilton has had an incredible run since France returned to the racing calendar. The Brit is ahead of the pack in both the 2018 and 2019 excursions.
It won’t be easy for Hamilton to make it for the third year in a row, however, as Verstappen constantly exists as a threat. The Dutchman was quite quick in qualifying.
Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory on the podium with second-placed Red Bulls Max Verstappen Pool over REUTERS / Lars Baron
With the track position proving to be extremely crucial at Paul Ricard, Red Bull hopes to put Verstappen in the front row for the race. Ultimately, if that is the case, will the duo manage to put on a show in France and come up with some amazing bike-to-bike promotions?
DIVE DEEPER
Fast route development very likely?
Paul Ricard’s route was revised at the beginning of this season, as more than 2/3 of the route had been relocated. As a result, the track will likely keep evolving over the course of the weekend, which means qualifying will be a treat for the fans.
Formula 1 F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – Red Bull’s Sergio Perez congratulates Aston Martins Sebastian Vettel on winning the Pool race over REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
Who knows? One of the midfield teams could lay down a heist and secure an unexpected position at the top and mess up the entire starting grid.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
In addition, given the smooth track, there is a great chance that we could experience a handful of spins and falls over the weekend. So will the development of the tracks add even more impetus to an already unpredictable weekend in Le Castellet? Only time can tell.
View history: Biggest crashes from 2020 with Leclerc, Vettel & Grosjean
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
The post Predictions for the French Formula 1 Grand Prix: can Lewis Hamilton take back the lead from Max Verstappen? first appeared on monter-une-startup.
