So when Norris swung through Abbey with the lead as the British fans roared, it felt like a breath of fresh air in a season that, thanks to Verstappen’s dominance, had started to feel a little suffocating. Of course, it lasted just four minutes before Verstappen retook the narrative, the lead and the win.

New-look liveries, softer Pirelli tyres, and brand new drivers took to the track for the opening practice session at the British Grand Prix, as Arvid Lindblad made his Formula 1 debut, hopping into the RB21 in place of Yuki Tsunoda, and Paul Aron was in action for Sauber having been loaned out for two FP1 sessions by Alpine.