After an one-year absence, Formula One returns to Circuit Paul Ricard for the 2021 French Grand Prix as we bring a full preview for the weekend.
Max Verstappen enters this race with a four point lead over Lewis Hamilton after the pair failed to score points in a dramatic climax in Baku last time out, yet this is a must-win race for Verstappen given the fact that Hamilton has won on each of the last two visits.
This weekend meanwhile sees AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly look to chase strong results alongside Alpine and their driver – Esteban Ocon at their home race.
Track Guide
Circuit: Circuit Paul Ricard
Laps: 53
Race Distance: 309.626km
Tyre Selection: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 18 June | FP1 | 10:30am |
| Friday 18 June | FP2 | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 19 June | FP3 | 11:00am |
| Saturday 19 June | Qualifying | 2:00pm |
| Sunday 20 June | Race | 2:00pm |
Five Key Pointers
- Mercedes should be looking to get back to their absolute best here as F1 returns to normal high-speed circuits after two difficult weekends on street circuits in Monaco and Baku.
- After enjoying two strong weekends in terms of one-lap pace on street circuits, this will be a huge test of Ferrari’s true Qualifying pace given their slight power deficit to Honda and Mercedes powered cars.
- Verstappen has qualified fourth on the grid in F1’s last two visits to Circuit Paul Ricard whereas Hamilton won from pole, making Qualifying here key if Verstappen is to potentially keep his title lead.
- Having failed to reach Q3 in two previous French GPs under Force India and Racing Point names, Aston Martin will be hoping that their recent progress will help them end this Achilles heel of theirs.
- With temperatures forecast to be just under 30 degrees, drivers will face a tough test in managing their tyre degradation, which could force a few drivers onto a two-stop strategy if tyre wear is high.
Last Time Out
2020 saw the French Grand Prix fail to take place due to Coronavirus pandemic which forced strict restrictions on France until mid-July, with race organisers opting not to rearrange the race and instead focus on this year’s race.
F1 therefore last raced in France in 2019 with Hamilton winning from pole position, ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc who held their second and third-places throughout the race ahead of Verstappen.
Race Recaps
If missed any of the six previous rounds of the 2021 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.