New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- It's time for Formula 1's risk-taking drivers, overworked engineers and harried team principals to relax. At least in theory.

With four weeks until the next race, including a mandatory 14-day shutdown of all racing operations from next week, the F1 season is on hold.

It's what F1 calls "silly season," the time when contract talks - and rumors - fill the vacuum.

It often seemed like silly season started early amid feverish speculation about a move from Red Bull to Mercedes for four-time champion Max Verstappen. Now that Verstappen has confirmed he's staying with Red Bull, other decisions - such as contract renewals at Mercedes - could speed up.

Russell at Mercedes

Most F1 teams saw the sweeping rule changes coming...