70th Anniversary GP: Quali maximum speeds

Let’s take a quick look at the maximum speeds seen during the qualifying session session of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix weekend.

Methodology

A simple analysis this time. I just took the maximum speed done by each driver in each of the four speed traps. I then just organized the data into a simple but informative chart.

Remember that the intermediate 1 and intermediate 2 speed traps are at the end of the first and sector sectors respectively.

Qualifying session maximum speeds

Analysis

Unlike other places like Hungary, a power-dependent circuit like Silverstone requires the teams to have a high top speed to challenge for the top positions.

It is quite clear that teams like Mercedes and Racing Point excel in this area, ranking at the top of the charts in all of the 4 speed traps.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have teams like Haas and Alfa Romeo. Haas struggled to find speed in all 4 speed traps, while Alfa Romeo didn’t do so bad at the designated speed trap and the intermediate 1 measuring sensor.

It is interesting to see Max Verstappen ranking last in the intermediate 1 section. Top speed is necessary for this area if you want to overtake using DRS before turn 6. If Max doesn’t have this speed, he could be in a difficult position to either a) overtake drivers like Hulkenberg tomorrow, or b) defend from other drivers who do seem to have more speed in this area like Daniel Ricciardo or Lance Stroll. Remember that Max will start tomorrow’s race with the hard compound and could be vulnerable at the start of the race.

In any case, I hope that you have enjoyed this short article. If you did, please share it with your friends so that I can continue to post more of these posts that I enjoy so much.