And we thought last year’s British Grand Prix was different …
Fortunately, the fans are back this year, but Formula 1 is mixing up with the first-ever introduction of sprint qualifying for our home race. We’re stepping into the unknown this weekend, which only adds to the excitement of a race that has never been short of material in all these years. But that’s not all, McLaren HomeFest, the ultimate Formula 1 virtual fan festival, is back. And that means, regardless of whether you can go out on the track or not, there will be a lot of celebrations. It’s a huge weekend for McLaren, F1 and you, the fans. Here is everything you need to know …
So follow you
| Round | 10 |
| Where | Silverstone circuit |
| When | July 16-18 |
| Start time | 15:00 local, 09:00 EDT |
| consequences | TEAMStream and the McLaren App for exclusive comments and insights |
What you say
“To be on the podium for the third time this season was a great feeling. It was a deserved result for all the hard work the entire team has put in this year and during an intense triple header. Hopefully we can carry that energy into mine and the team’s home Grand Prix this weekend, although we have to be realistic about what we can achieve as Silverstone is a very different track. Nevertheless, we will do everything in our power to score as many points as possible.
“The race at Silverstone is always a special occasion as it is my home race. To welcome the UK fans back – in the safest possible way – will be great. I missed them a lot, especially racing there two races behind closed doors last year. To see how the grandstands are full and how everything feels a bit more normal, I’m really looking forward to it.
“We also have the first sprint qualifying event of the season. We will intervene directly in the action on Friday with qualifying before the sprint on Saturday so that we are ready to take off. It’s something new for everyone and should make for close and exciting races that I’m sure the fans will enjoy! “
“This weekend we’re going to Silverstone for the team’s home race. It will be a special moment for all of us when we see the fans in these stands again – it took a long time. We have slowly seen that as the season progresses, more and more fans are back on the right track and this is certain in certain countries. I think everyone missed the noise and atmosphere that only the fans can provide.
“At the Grand Prix of Great Britain we will try out the new Sprint Quali format for the first time, it will be an exciting challenge. It’s going to be interesting to mess up the weekend and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities to get us in a good position for Sunday’s race.
“After three consecutive races in France and Austria, I took the time to fully recharge my batteries and spent some time at Goodwood with Senna’s MP4-5B, which was just great. I am ready to drive again at Silverstone and after a more positive weekend in Austria, where I gained a little more confidence in the car, I will continue to push. We just have to take further steps to translate these improvements into lap times so that we can fight for good points. “
“After finishing the first triple header of the season, we are now looking forward to racing at our home Grand Prix this weekend. It is great that the UK Grand Prix will be full, with our fans and many team members assisting from the stands, while making sure that the appropriate steps are taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The first sprint qualifying of the year will also take place this weekend. We look forward to testing the new Saturday Sprint format as we continue to monitor the development of the sport and promote closer and more exciting races to fans. The team has worked hard to prepare for the transition to a normal race weekend, with qualifying now on Friday and a sprint race on Saturday. The format is sure to mess up something for everyone and every team will try to take advantage of every opportunity.
“After the strong result in Austria, we took the time to sit back as a team and are ready to start again in the battle for good points. We continue to make progress in terms of performance by getting the most out of our package, but we need to be realistic about what is achievable, stay focused and tackle every race throughout the season.
What the statistics say
Lando is in good shape as he hasn’t been outside of the points this season. He comes behind another podium in Austria and every time he has a podium in F1 he comes in a top five – exactly where he landed at the British Grand Prix last year.
Silverstone is a special place in Daniel’s career as it was here that he made his F1 debut in 2011. Since then he has scored seven times at the British Grand Prix and was on the podium in 2014.
As a team, we’ve had many successes at our home Grand Prix over the years, winning it 14 times: the first in 1973 with Peter Revson at the wheel of the M23 and the last in 2008 when Lewis Hamilton was memorable braving the elements and sawed off the opposition.
What to look out for
OK, let’s talk to the elephant in the room. The format of this weekend is a little different, isn’t it? Qualifying on Friday, sprint qualifying on Saturday, Grand Prix on Sunday. Yes, you heard right. F1 is mixing up this weekend and this is how it will go …
There is only one practice session on Friday before qualifying. This qualifying is the same as a normal F1 qualifying, but it does not determine the starting grid for the race on Sunday, but the starting grid for the sprint qualifying, which takes place on Saturday after another one-hour practice session. Sprint qualifying is a 100 km race – that’s 17 laps at Silverstone – and takes around 25-30 minutes. The order in which they are placed determines the starting line-up for the Grand Prix and points are awarded to the first three places – three for the winner up to one point for the third.
Another race weekend format is not the only curveball for teams. Silverstone is a track with high performance sensitivity, similar to the Red Bull Ring two weeks ago, but a completely different track layout – albeit with some very fast sections. The teams will run on the harder tires, which is different from Austria, where the teams were on the softer end of the spectrum, and Pirelli is also introducing a new tire design at Silverstone – rear tires with a stiffer sidewall – for use through 2021, whatever the Tires. As part of the new race weekend format, only soft tires will be allowed for qualifying on Friday and drivers will be able to start the race on Sunday on whatever compound they prefer. Everything points to an exciting weekend.
Off the track, it’s all about the McLaren HomeFest. The ultimate F1 virtual fan festival took a storm last year and we’ve brought it back for 2021. Even if you can’t make it to Silverstone, the British Grand Prix can be brought home to you. Just how exactly? Check out McLarenHomeFest.com and our guide to the dos and don’ts.
Weather forecast for this weekend
What to wear
By now you should have heard of the British GP collection that landed in the McLaren Store. With unique styles by Lando and Daniel, the collection offers everything from t-shirts to hoodies to caps – all in a captivating selection of color combinations. It’s perfect for this weekend and a must-have for your summer wardrobe.
McLaren Store
The British Grand Prix Collection is here! Get your special items in limited numbers while stocks last
Plus one
It’s competition time and we have a Humdinger for our home Grand Prix. We’re overjoyed that thousands of you can take part on the track this weekend, but we also know that many of you won’t make it. For several hundred fans who will not be in Silverstone, we are offering a virtual viewing experience via Webex from Cisco on race day. Enter the competition and enjoy exclusive backstage access with driver interviews, behind-the-scenes action at the McLaren Technology Center, interactive polls and coverage of the race itself.
Guide to McLaren HomeFest 2.0
It’s coming home … for real this time
Continue reading
HomeFest Slipstream
Join us for an exclusive virtual experience that you will never forget!
Continue reading
‘I was there when …’
McLaren’s weirdest and most wonderful British GP moments as told by the people who lived them
Continue reading
Question time
The ultimate McLaren F1 FAQ 2021
Continue reading
Join the team
McLaren Plus is our free fan loyalty program that brings McLaren fans closer to the team with the most comprehensive, rewarding, and open fan programs in Formula 1 and esports.
Register now or current members can change their details in the form below if necessary.
The post McLaren Racing – Everything you need to know about the Great Britain Grand Prix first appeared on monter-une-startup.
