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.

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.