Wimbledon, the Women`s Euros, the Tour de France, England vs. India… these are just some of the premier sporting events that define the UK`s summer, but the calendar wouldn`t be complete without the British Grand Prix.
Britain holds the distinction of being the most represented nation on the F1 grid, boasting four drivers, with many teams and personnel based a short distance from the Silverstone circuit.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver at the British Grand Prix, having secured nine victories. However, he is yet to achieve a podium finish as a Ferrari driver.
As the Formula 1 season reaches its midpoint, Hamilton and Oliver Bearman are the only British drivers who have not secured either a win or a podium this year.
McLaren`s Lando Norris is currently 15 points behind his Australian teammate, Oscar Piastri, in the championship standings. Norris has achieved three wins and nine podiums this season, while Mercedes` British driver, George Russell, has one win and five podiums.
So, who is likely to come out on top this weekend?
Weather Forecast
For those arriving at the circuit on Thursday, sunny conditions are expected with temperatures around 22°C.
Temperatures are predicted to rise to 24°C on Friday, accompanied by cloudy and humid conditions. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be overcast with a possibility of showers.
Latest News
- Speculation continues regarding Silverstone`s long-term future on the F1 calendar; with no significant competition from other UK circuits, it appears set to remain.
- Cadillac`s entry into the F1 grid will be documented in a behind-the-scenes docuseries featuring actor and filmmaker Keanu Reeves.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli faces a three-place grid penalty for this weekend`s race following a collision with Max Verstappen in Austria.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed strong support for Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, stating he believes Ferrari “won`t get anyone better.”
- `F1: The Movie` achieved box office success on its opening weekend, reportedly earning over $140 million globally.
- A unique collection of 20 nearly-new McLaren road cars, formerly owned by the team`s late co-owner Mansour Ojjeh, is currently listed for sale.
- A race preview and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast, Unlapped, featuring Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, are available for listening.
Circuit Statistics and History
Similar to many British racing venues, Silverstone was originally an airfield and shares its age with Formula 1 itself, celebrating 75 years.
The circuit was the venue for the very first World Championship grand prix in 1950, where Nino Farina of Alfa Romeo secured a dominant victory, taking pole position, the win, and the fastest lap.
Since that historic day, Silverstone has consistently provided a stage for dramatic races, unexpected results, and on-track controversies, including the memorable 2024 race where Lewis Hamilton achieved a dramatic win, ending a victory drought that had lasted since 2021.
Following 1950, the British Grand Prix was also held at Aintree and Brands Hatch. Brands Hatch and Silverstone alternated hosting duties between 1964 and 1986, after which the circuit located near Northampton became the sole host, a status it is expected to maintain on the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future.
Silverstone is characterized as a high-speed circuit, with drivers spending approximately 80% of a lap at full throttle. Although it has undergone numerous modifications over the years, iconic corners such as Maggots, Becketts, and Abbey remain favourites among both fans and drivers.
British Grand Prix
Circuit: Silverstone Circuit; Towcester, United Kingdom
First F1 race: 1950
Laps: 52 laps of 5.9km. Total distance 306km
Lap record: 1:27.097, Max Verstappen (2020)
Most wins: Lewis Hamilton with nine (2008, 2014-2017, 2019-2021, 2024). Other winners from the current grid:
- Fernando Alonso (2006, 2011)
- Carlos Sainz (2022)
- Max Verstappen (2023)
Most poles: Lewis Hamilton with seven (2007, 2013, 2015-2018, 2020). Other pole position holders from the current grid:
- Fernando Alonso (2005-2006)
- Max Verstappen (2021, 2023)
- Carlos Sainz (2022)
- George Russell (2024)
What makes it special: Silverstone hosted the inaugural F1 championship race in 1950 and remains a cornerstone of the modern calendar. Its high-speed corners and ample overtaking zones consistently deliver some of the most thrilling racing of the season.
What the drivers say about it: `The best high-speed track in the world.` — Lando Norris
Where to watch from: The Becketts grandstand offers an unparalleled view. Witnessing a modern F1 car change direction through the sequence of Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel is an experience every fan should have. It`s also a prime spot to see the outcome of daring overtakes into Copse as drivers continue to battle wheel-to-wheel.
What Happened Last Year (2024)?
In a dramatic race held in mixed conditions, Lewis Hamilton secured a significant win, ending a victory dry spell that had extended back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver finished 1.4 seconds ahead of his long-time rival Max Verstappen. This victory marked Hamilton`s ninth win on home soil at Silverstone, setting a record for the most wins by a single driver at any Formula 1 circuit in history.
Who Will Win?
McLaren demonstrated exceptional pace in Austria, but the competition is expected to be much tighter at Silverstone, particularly if the forecast for rain later in the weekend proves accurate.
Lando Norris won Oscar Piastri`s home race to begin the season, and we predict the Australian will return the favour this week by taking the win at Silverstone.
Predicting the rest of the podium is challenging. Rain could potentially bring Mercedes into contention, while Max Verstappen is known for his prowess in wet conditions. However, this race feels like a prime opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to secure his first podium finish for Ferrari, especially given the magic he has often produced in front of the Silverstone crowd.
How the Championships Look
Oscar Piastri maintains his position as championship leader following the Austrian Grand Prix, holding a 15-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Piastri has five wins this season compared to Norris`s three.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen needs to recover ground after retiring from the Austrian Grand Prix. He currently trails Norris by 46 points in third place in the standings.
In the constructors` championship, McLaren holds a commanding 207-point lead. The battle for second place is tight, with Ferrari moving just one point ahead of Mercedes, now standing at 210 points.
How to Watch the Grand Prix
For viewers in the U.S., coverage is available on ESPN and ESPN+.
In the U.K., live broadcast coverage can be found on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For ongoing news, analysis, and updates throughout the weekend, follow the coverage provided by ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, reporting live from Silverstone and across social media platforms.
Session Times (BST – British Summer Time)
Friday
- Free Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
- Free Practice 2: 16:00 – 17:00 BST
Saturday
- Free Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
- Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST
Sunday
- Race Starts: 15:00 BST (Live text commentary build-up from 13:45 BST)
Dominic Ashworth