Before track action had even begun ahead of Formula 1’s practice sessions for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, there was already plenty of drama to speak of.
Renault’s protest against Racing Point’s rear brake ducts had been upheld, and the latter team had been handed a fine and points deduction for breaking the FIA’s sporting regulations.
PLUS: Why the FIA’s Racing Point verdict pleases nobody
In addition, Nico Hulkenberg will once more deputise for Sergio Perez after the Mexican driver tested positive for COVID-19 once more, and Mercedes expressed its dismay over F1’s future direction amid its reluctance to sign the next Concorde Agreement.
There were also plenty of talking points in practice for Silverstone’s second race, with the softer grade of tyres used compared to last weekend’s race making it tough for the teams and drivers to get on top of.
Autosport’s technical editor Jake Boxall-Legge and Motorsport.com F1 editor Jonathan Noble sink their teeth into the biggest topics ahead of F1’s ‘birthday’ race, and look ahead to the rest of the weekend.