via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel celebrate with sparkling wine on the podium after finishing first and second respectively Pool via REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel celebrate with sparkling wine on the podium after finishing first and second respectively Pool via REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
In 2 weeks’ time, the Formula 1 paddock heads to the Circuit Paul Ricard for the French Grand Prix. The French GP returned to the F1 circus after a 9-year absence.
However, the only difference was that the venue was a lot different as F1 used to go to Magny Cours, and now they go to Paul Ricard.
As always, the race and all other sessions will be broadcast on Sky Sports. The race weekend kicks off on 18th June with the first two practice sessions.
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As per the schedule, FP1 commences at 11:30 AM local time and 15:00 PM IST. Meanwhile, FP2 begins at 15:00 PM local time and 18:30 PM IST.
Later on, Saturday rolls by with FP3 at 12:00 PM local time and 15:30 PM IST. Finally, the all-important qualifying session swings by at 15:00 PM local time and 18:30 PM IST. Sunday closes the show with the race at 15:00 PM local time and 18:30 PM IST.
What to expect from the 2021 French Grand Prix?
Without a doubt, the last two F1 races in 2021 have been quite exciting. However, not many have particularly high hopes for the Circuit Paul Ricard race. This is because the 2018 and 2019 editions of the race have been relatively ‘boring’ in terms of on-track action.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez celebrates with sparkling wine on the podium after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
To rectify this, the track authorities decided to make some changes to the track layout for the French Grand Prix. A L’Equipe report said, “Formula One Management has been working with the circuit since August to suggest modifications.
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“The first document modified almost every corner, which would be costly. But removing the chicane to extend the Mistral straight is being looked at.”
Without a doubt, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will be on the road to redemption. Both drivers threw away chances of an easy with at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In Verstappen’s case, his tire exploded dramatically, while Hamilton locked up at Turn 1 on the restart.
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Meanwhile, Sergio Perez will head into this race high on confidence. However, Hamilton will be one of the favorites as he has won twice at the venue.
READ MORE: The French Grand Prix May Finally Stop Giving Fans a Boring F1 Race
