We run through the lessons learned both on and off track from Formula 1’s inaugural sprint qualifying race at Silverstone in the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast.
Former Jordan and Jaguar F1 technical director Gary Anderson, who would have revelled in the challenge and opportunity of the sprint race format were he still sat on the grand prix pitwall, joins Edd Straw to discuss how well the race worked, which drivers thrived and failed and how the key battles played out.
With the medium and, for four drivers at least, soft Pirellis both being viable tyres for the sprint race, we discuss whether Saturday at Silverstone was representative of how a typical F1 sprint race might unfold and what teams will have learned from the first time this format has been used.
As well as looking at how Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to secure pole position for Sunday’s British Grand Prix, we also discuss the unexpected performance swing in favour of Mercedes – and look at the fates of the back-up drivers in both teams, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
Fernando Alonso’s first lap heroics and the clash between Carlos Sainz and George Russell are also discussed, as well as the importance of seeing drivers able to push throughout a stint.
The Race F1 Podcast will return to review the British Grand Prix after Sunday’s race and is available free to subscribe to from all good podcast suppliers, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
