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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
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Opinion

The unexpected benefit of F1’s sprint race repeat

OPINION: Formula 1's sprint race trial at Silverstone drew mixed feedback on Saturday, but there remained the true test of how it would impact Sunday's Grand Prix. While fans were busy marvelling at Fernando Alonso's progress, a key lesson was being learned that would directly contribute to the dramatic lap one clash at Copse the following day

Formula 1’s inaugural sprint race experiment had appeared to tick an awful lot of boxes by the time the cars headed back to the garages after Saturday’s 17-lap encounter.

A much better Friday of action, and a Saturday qualifying race that delivered enough thrills - courtesy of Fernando Alonso - and spills - courtesy of the Haas drivers and Sergio Perez - to delight fans were exactly what F1 had hoped for when the idea was first proposed.

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