who usually remain at the factory substituting for their absent colleagues at the Grand Prix. Acting team principal Simon Roberts did not attend after testing positive for the coronavirus. Mario Isola, the head of Pirelli's Formula One tyre programme, tested positive for the coronavirus on the day of the race and went into self-isolation. Three other workers tested positive for the coronavirus over the course of the week the race took place. Tyres Sole Formula One tyre manufacturer Pirelli brought their three hardest dry-weather tyre compounds – the C1, C2, and C3. Two types of wet-weather tyre, known as "wets" and "intermediates", were also available. Following Friday's practice sessions, Isola said that Pirelli had not been aware of the resurfacing which had been done to the track two weeks prior, and that if they had known, they would have brought softer tyre compounds which would suit the smoother surface better. Pirelli had noted the increased forces that tyres were subject to as the cars became faster over the course of the season. The lower than expected levels of friction between the tyres and the tarmac meant that drivers consistently struggled to maintain the tyre temperature needed for the tyres to operate efficiently, limiting the speeds that could be achieved. Tyres being at the correct temperature could allow a driver to complete a lap more than five seconds quicker than if the tyres were too hot or cold. The tarmac evolved slowly over the weekend because no supporting events were held where rubber could be laid down, which can improve adhesion. Championship permutations The Mercedes team had already secured both championships, as no other team's drivers could outscore Hamilton, who held an 85-point lead over his teammate Valtteri Bottas with a maximum of 104 points still available. Bottas needed to score eight points more than Hamilton in order to remain in contention to win the 2020 World Drivers' Championship. If Bottas finished in a position lower than sixth, then Hamilton would win the championship regardless of where he finished. If Hamilton finished in second place then Bottas would have needed to have won and set the fastest lap of the race in order to remain in contention. This was Hamilton's first opportunity to secure the 2020 title. Only one point separated the Renault team in third from fifth-placed Racing Point in the Constructors' Championship standings, with McLaren in fourth. Practice The