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After a two-week break, F1 returns ahead of its first triple-header of the season starting in Le Castellet, France as the drivers steer away from the streets of Baku.
The 5.842km Circuit Paul Ricard is a distribution of high, medium and low-speed corners which is a key reason why it’s one of the most used test circuits in the world. Its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2018 showed that the French Grand Prix can provide nothing less than excitement.
The drivers will have to adapt to a completely different circuit after back-to-back races around the streets of Monaco and Baku. Paul Ricard could not be far from the polar opposite with plenty of runoff, while mistakes are not always punished.
Formula 1 hit the Circuit Paul Ricard in 1971, with Jackie Stewart winning the inaugural race in his Tyrrell 003 but since the track left the sport, it was recently reborn in 2018. Lewis Hamilton claimed the top spot that year ahead of Max Verstappen, but could history repeat itself this weekend?
In 2019, the eventual winner was the same as Hamilton claimed consecutive victories in France from teammate Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc. It’s safe to say the track favours those cars that have great top speed as well as high cornering spec cars, hence the reason Mercedes enter this weekend as firm favourites.
Last time out in Azerbaijan, Sergio Perez claimed his first win in Red Bull colours as he became the first driver to win for two separate constructors in the turbo-hybrid era. The Mexican started from sixth but was able to overtake Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Leclerc in the opening stages of the race.
Moments later, the former Racing Point driver overcut Hamilton and found himself in a net second behind teammate Verstappen. Luck was on his side when Verstappen’s left rear tyre failed, as he was sent crashing out of the race.
Hamilton attempted a move for the lead on lap 51 but he was sent steaming into the turn one run-off as he locked up his tyres leaving Perez to claim victory ahead of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel who scored Aston Martin’s first podium. Pierre Gasly completed the podium as he has now finished first, second and third during his Formula 1 career.
Top Ten Prediction
1. Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes as a team have been struggling in recent weeks due to the lack of tyre warm-up at both Monaco and Baku but this shouldn’t be an issue this weekend. As well as this the sheer straight-line speed of the Mercedes will be hard to stop and it’s a weekend Hamilton is expected to claim victory.
2. Max Verstappen
It’s a weekend where Verstappen has to drive out of his skin to be able to battle Hamilton, especially when it comes to race trim on the harder tyres. Red Bull have been handy at their home Red Bull Ring, but he has to endure a tough weekend ahead of a favourable doubleheader.
3. Valtteri Bottas
After an embarrassing weekend at Baku, it’s safe to say Bottas will have fire in his belly as he was stuck battling in the midfield. Another weekend may pass where the Finn can’t get on terms with the title rivals but third could be a step in the right direction if he can hold off Perez.
4. Sergio Perez
After enjoying his first race win since moving to Red Bull Racing, France will no doubt be a test for the Mexican as he is asked to back up that result. If he can continue to get close to Verstappen, then it may give them the edge over Mercedes.
5. Lando Norris
After losing third in their Constructors battle with Ferrari, the momentum should sway the other way this weekend in France due to the Ferrari’s power unit issues. As well as this, since McLaren moved to a Mercedes power unit, they have become a force to be reckoned with and this weekend Norris could surprise a few people.
6. Charles Leclerc
It looked as though Leclerc had a disappointing weekend in Baku after placing his Ferrari on pole position and it was far from an ideal weekend as his Ferrari’s race pace was exposed. He was beaten by Gasly and Vettel – who you’d expect him to beat – but nonetheless, he finished fourth ahead of the McLaren’s.
7. Carlos Sainz
The Spaniard will be keen to back up teammate Leclerc this weekend after his trip down the run-off-road last time out, it’s time for him to take the battle to the Monegasque driver and prove that he has all the qualities to be on terms with Leclerc.
8. Sebastian Vettel
Vettel returned to the podium for the first time since Turkey 2020 as he scored Aston Martin’s first trip to the podium since returning to the sport. He seems to be on cloud nine right now and France could bring another good finish with his slippery Aston Martin underneath him.
9. Pierre Gasly
Arguably this year’s Driver of the Season thus far, Gasly secured yet another podium last week at Baku for AlphaTauri. The Frenchman could suffer this weekend, as a lack of power could hurt the team with it being very power sensitive at Le Castellet.
10. Daniel Ricciardo
The biggest question mark around the paddock is Ricciardo. The Aussie has proven qualities but is still unable to match the performances of Norris. This weekend could be a stepping stone for the McLaren driver ahead of a doubleheader in Austria, where he will have time to adapt and get comfortable in the car.
