F1: Early Predictions for British GP

Formula 1 returns this weekend to one of the most iconic circuits it has raced to date. Silverstone was the first track where F1 raced in 1950 after the creation of 'World Championship of Drivers'.

The going has not been smooth for the circuit owners BRDC, who have already activated a break clause in their contract. This means that unless a new contract is signed, F1 will be racing at the iconic circuit for the last time in 2019.

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#1 Mercedes strikes back

That sounds a bit Star Wars-ish, but it is on the cards after the mighty Mercedes were left with no points in the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.

With a comprehensive upgrade package coming in Austria, the world champions had set out to 'frighten' their rivals with raw pace but that ended when both Bottas and Hamilton retired due to mechanical failure. One can expect that the reigning driver and constructor champions have figured out the fault lines and more importantly put appropriate fixes in place.

This means that the Silver Arrows will be more than ready to put up a giant comeback. Lewis Hamilton will be even more pumped up as this is the circuit he grew up karting on, and with thousands of British fans in stands, he will be raring to charge through the field.

#2 Force India arrives at the party

Esteban Ocon in action at Austrian GP

It has not been a smooth sailing for Force India so far this season. With Renault and Haas leading the midfield battle, and Force India having a rear balance issue with their VJM11 car, they are currently down in 7th in the constructor's standings.

This is a far cry from last year when they were the leading team in midfield and scoring points with both cars consistently.

The team has not been idle and have been working hard behind the curtains to turn its season around. We got a glimpse of this with their first double points finish in Austria. With Silverstone being their official home race, they surely will be doing everything to continue the momentum and make the most of the weekend.

#3 Raikkonen proves critics wrong again

Kimi Raikkonen in Austrian GP

The Iceman has been on fire lately. We saw it in Austria with that dashing start which didn't quite come of, as he fell to P4 by the end of the first lap. Despite this, the Finn recovered superbly to finish P2 behind Max Verstappen.

Kimi has been under pressure lately with many reports pointing to Charles Leclerc replacing him for next season. This means the next few races will be critical as Kimi makes his point for Ferrari to re-sign him for next season.

He has shown good race pace in France and Austria and we expect him to finish in front of Vettel on a track where he won in 2007.

#4 McLaren woes continue

Fernando Alonso

Silverstone is one of those technical circuits which needs a bit of everything. Though Fernando Alonso fought back to salvage P8 for McLaren, that was mainly due to the sheer number of retirements and many cars facing tyre blistering issues due to high temperatures.

McLaren has dropped to 6th in the constructor's standings after being as high as 4th during the initial part of the season. Silverstone will be a much bigger challenge and they will find it tough to beat the likes of Renault and Haas, who have a better overall package.

#5 Double points for Renault

Carlos Sainz at Austrian GP

Renault struggled in Spielberg due to the high track temperature. Hulkenberg's engine blew spectacularly on lap 11 and Sainz had a miserable race because of heavy tire blistering.

Silverstone is expected to have lower temperatures and the nature of the circuit usually rewards the well-rounded teams. This will wipe the added advantage that Haas cars had in Austria especially with the circuit being small in comparison to Silverstone.

This will put Renault in prime position to get back to the head of midfield with double points finish safely in their reach.