The biggest casualty of the British Grand Prix was not Alex Albon’s 2nd practice crash. The crash can be recovered. However, Sergio Perez needs time to recover after testing positive for Covid-19. The Mexican who drives for Racing Point was sidelined for 10 days after flying home to Mexico for two days to visit his mother. Despite using a Private jet as a trans-Atlantic shuttle, Perez still managed to contract the virus. It appears Covid-19 has been somewhat kind to the Mexican who reported suffering mild symptoms thus far.

During his 10 days of self-isolation Perez’s’ seat at Racing Point is being kept warm by Nico Hulkenberg. The German thought he had waved goodbye to the sport forever at the end of 2019. However, a Pandemic has a mind of its own. He finished 2nd-practice in 7th place, teammate lance Stroll topped the timesheets. Qualifying will be another matter, almost certainly involving Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.

One should always consider 1st and 2nd Practice sessions as acclimatisation periods. There is little point in topping the timesheets on Friday, Saturday is when it matters. All teams must govern as much life as possible from the engines so it makes little sense to use full power immediately. Doing so would reduce the lifespan of the engine.

F1 rules dictate all teams are limited to 4 engines per season. That is why Mercedes were happy to sit back and let the Racing Points gain all the media attention. The sponsors will also be happy. In reality, Sunday, the race day, is where it really matters because that’s when the points are awarded. In Formula One, victory is never assured. Unless your name is Lewis Hamilton.

2020 British Grand Prix, Silverstone