2024 Formula British Grand Prix: What to Expect As Verstappen Anticipates Hostile Silverstone Crowd

2024 Formula British Grand Prix: What to Expect As Verstappen Anticipates Hostile Silverstone Crowd

Ero Samson
updated at July 3, 2024 at 5:00 PM
  • The Formula 1 season continues with a visit to the iconic Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire for round 12 of the 2024 season
  • The race comes on the heels of a controversial Austrian Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen and Lando Norris collided
  • Sports Brief shifts the spotlight to key things to expect as Formula 1 completes its European triple-header at Silverstone

The Silverstone Circuit is set to light up this weekend as the 2024 edition of the British Grand Prix takes centre stage.

This iconic Formula 1 race marks the final round of the European triple-header following the highly controversial Austrian Grand Prix.

Both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris suffered punctures to their tyres after a lap 64 collision while battling for the lead in Spielberg.

Formula 1, F1, Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Austrian GP, collision, British GP
Lando Norris driving the McLaren MCL38 car with a damaged tyre after contact with Max Verstappen during the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, on June 30, 2024. Image: Alessio Morgese.
Source: Getty Images

Silverstone, which happens to be Mclaren's home race, is expected to be dominated by several fans of the papaya team, who would be looking to ensure both Red Bull Racing and Verstappen experience some of the most hostile of weekends they could have.

In addition to the on-track drama, a flurry of other activities is expected to captivate audiences at the 2024 British Grand Prix. In light of this, Sports Brief highlights a few key things to watch for at this year’s event.

What to expect from the 2024 British Grand Prix

Hostile Silverstone crowd for Verstappen

The Dutch driver and his Red Bull Racing team are expected to be greeted by a very hostile crowd at the British Grand Prix.

The Silverstone race, which is slated to mark the Austrian team's 20th anniversary in Formula 1, appears to be shaping up to be anything but friendly.

According to reports from media outlet Autosport.com, F1 fans, reported to be mainly McLaren fans, have begun snapping up tickets to watch the Grand Prix live.

It should be noted that the ticket price for this year's British Grand Prix is at an all-time high.

Speculation suggests that the intense wheel-to-wheel action between Verstappen and Norris in Austria may have spurred this sudden surge in ticket demand.

Super fast Red Bull car

One significant concern throughout the 2024 season has been the performance of Red Bull's RB20 car.

The Milton Keynes team has seen the rest of the grid narrow the gap that had opened up to them during 2023, particularly in the early stages of 2024.

Notably, McLaren's MCL38, modelled after the RB19, appears to be rapidly catching up in speed to the Red Bull car.

However, the upcoming Silverstone race could see a shift in dynamics, with German outlet Auto Motor Sport reporting that the Milton Keynes team is introducing significant upgrades to their car for the Grand Prix.

The report indicates that these new upgrades are expected to deliver substantial performance gains, with wind tunnel tests and simulations showing promising results.

If the German outlet's reports hold true, a commanding victory of more than 20 seconds for Verstappen and Red Bull could be within reach.

Nevertheless, the true performance of the cars remains uncertain until race weekend. It must be acknowledged, though, that an overall increase in the pace of the RB20 car is anticipated at Silverstone.

Norris racing hard

Another significant aspect to look forward to at the British Grand Prix will be Norris' racing approach.

In a radio interview reported by Autosports.com, the McLaren driver stated unequivocally that he would not alter his recent racing style.

The 25-year-old, who secured his first victory at the Miami Grand Prix, has emerged as the closest challenger to Verstappen this season.

Following the events of the Austrian Grand Prix, there was speculation about potential changes in both drivers' racing styles and approach to wheel-to-wheel combat.

However, Norris has dismissed these discussions, suggesting that another intense battle on track can be expected whenever their paths converge for overtaking manoeuvres.

British Grand Prix preview and prediction

Sports Brief in a previous report detailed an extensive preview and prediction of the British GP.

The Silverstone race follows in the aftermath of a pulsating Austrian Grand Prix.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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