Hamilton returns home to British GP following Piquet controversy

Lewis Hamilton will return to Silverstone after the controversies of Nelson Piquet and Juri Vips.

During the week, three-time Formula 1 world champion Piquet and F2 driver Vips came under heavy criticism after the two became the subjects of separate controversy.

Piquet has reportedly been banned from the Formula 1 paddock after an interview emerged of him allegedly saying a racist remark in reference to Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Vips was subsequently dropped by Red Bull Racing as its test and reserve driver after the 21-year-old used a racial slur while streaming an online video game.

However, Vips has been kept on by Hitech Grand Prix in F2, with Formula 2 itself stating it was surprised to see Hitech GP keep the Estonian under contract.

In a statement released by F2, it said:

“Following the recent incident involving Juri Vips, F2 would like to reaffirm that the use of racist or discriminatory language cannot be tolerated in any environment.

“Hitech Grand Prix’s decision today is surprising and not one we would have taken. We will monitor the situation carefully with them to ensure that such behaviour is properly addressed.”

The British Grand Prix will be a chance for drivers like Hamilton to show their opinions and take a stand against this behaviour, while F2 will be under close inspection while Hitech retains Vips.

Memories of 2021’s title explosion return

Last year’s British Grand Prix will surely sit in the minds of the British fans as Formula 1 heads home to Silverstone.

A first-lap clash between title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen left the Dutchman in the barrier, with Hamilton going on to win the race following a ten-second time penalty.

Verstappen and Hamilton collide!

The title rivals come together at Copse, pitching Verstappen into a high-speed crash.

The Dutchman was able to walk away but he has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks#BritishGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/ol1s9dRJoa

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 18, 2021

However, the two have remained largely on opposite sides of the circuit this year as the dominant RB18 remains the best car on the grid, Verstappen leading the championship while Hamilton resides in sixth, still yet to breach the 100-point mark.

Following a strong podium finish in Canada, the seven-time world champion will be hoping that the cheers of his home crowd can carry him to another good result as he looks to catch teammate George Russell.

Most likely, the current pace of the Silver Arrows will not be strong enough to challenge this year’s giants, Ferrari and Red Bull.

But, as we’ve seen so many times this year, the team are ready to capitalise on errors from the top-two.

All you need to know about Silverstone

Built on a WW2 RAF airfield base, Silverstone has been on the calendar since F1’s first season in 1950, hosting the inaugural world championship Grand Prix, won by Nino Farina.

Since then, the track has left and returned to the calendar before a brief scare in the 2000s that it could leave for good. However, with 2021’s Grand Prix seeing a record attendance, the race seems in safe hands.

Drivers will contend 52 laps of the 5.891km circuit with two DRS straights after turn five and turn 14, with some of the most iconic turns in the sport seen in either Northamptonshire or Buckinghamshire.

The British Grand Prix is always an exciting race and, in the heat of the British summer, it can often be rather chaotic.

Verstappen aiming for Silverstone redemption

Following a 51G crash at Copse last year, Verstappen’s run of form leaves him in the best place to win a second race at Silverstone and his first British Grand Prix, with his sole-2020 victory named the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion controlled much of the last race in Canada, until a late-race chase between himself and Carlos Sainz placed the race win under doubt.

But Verstappen and Red Bull remained cool, cruising home ahead of a charging F1-75 to take his fifth win in the last six races.

Silverstone is made up largely of fast corners and straights, both of which is a strong point for the RB18. On the run of form Verstappen finds himself on, few would bet against a second win in Britain.

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