British Grand Prix Preview

Updated: 6th December 2023

One of the highlights of the British sporting summer takes place this weekend in the form of the British Grand Prix. McLaren duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will of course get plenty of attention, but we should be set for another extremely competitive race. 

As has been well documented, so far in the 2012 Formula 1 season there have been eight races and seven different winners. Fernando Alonso became the only man to win more than one Grand Prix last time out when he emerged victorious in the European Grand Prix.

This means that the Spaniard tops the driver standings going into this weekend, but it is very tight indeed. Only 26 points separate the top four drivers at this stage and things can turn around very quickly. With only eight races gone, a number of drivers could win the 2012 World title.

As mentioned, it is inevitable that the main focus ahead of the British Grand Prix is going to be on Hamilton and Button. Both have had moments of success this season so far, but otherwise it has been frustrating.

It has been particularly disappointing for Button who finds himself in eighth position as far as the driver standings are concerned. After winning the Australian Grand Prix, he was considered as the one to beat, but there has only been one podium finish since in China back in April.

Hamilton has had more success, he sits third in the driver standings and as ever, every single race seems to be eventful for him. Highlighting this, he followed up an excellent win in Canada with a dramatic crash after 55 laps in Valencia.

Both these drivers will see the British Grand Prix as the big one though. To win on home soil is arguably the pinnacle for any driver. McLaren have got some upgrades in place for this weekend too , so they will be hoping for a positive few days.

There are many other drivers searching for a podium finish at the very least though. Defending Champion Sebastian Vettel is the favourite for victory for example, while Fernando Alonso is a massive contender for a Ferrari team that are improving all the time.

You then have Nico Rosberg, Pastor Maldonado and Mark Webber looking for their second win of 2012, while Romain Grosjean. who has had three podium finishes already this season is expected to have a decent weekend for Lotus.

Throw in the experience of Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher and you have a very exciting line-up for the 2012 British Grand Prix. Anything could happen at Silverstone and those in attendance will love every second.

From first practice through to the chequered flag, this is not a Grand Prix to take your eyes off.

Author: Thomas Rooney

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