ESPN
The UK`s summer sporting calendar is packed with major events like Wimbledon, the Women`s Euros, the Tour de France, and England vs. India matches. Yet, no list would be complete without including the British Grand Prix.
As the country with the most drivers on the F1 grid (four) and home to many teams and personnel located near Silverstone, Britain has a strong presence in the sport.
Record holder at the British Grand Prix with nine wins, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton aims for his first Silverstone podium driving for Ferrari.
At the season`s midpoint, Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman are the sole British drivers yet to secure a win or a podium finish this year.
Lando Norris of McLaren, with three wins and nine podiums, is currently 15 points behind his Australian teammate, Oscar Piastri, in the championship. Mercedes` British driver, George Russell, has recorded one win and five podiums.
The big question is: who will emerge victorious this weekend?
Weather Forecast
Those arriving at the circuit on Thursday can expect sunshine with temperatures around 22°C.
Temperatures are forecast to rise to 24°C on Friday, with cloudy and humid conditions anticipated. Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be overcast with a chance of showers.
Latest News
- Could Silverstone secure a permanent spot on the F1 calendar? With no other competing circuits in the UK, this seems likely.
- Actor and filmmaker Keanu Reeves is creating a behind-the-scenes docuseries detailing Cadillac`s journey to join the F1 grid.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli faces a three-place grid penalty this weekend due to causing a collision with Max Verstappen in Austria.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has strongly supported under-pressure Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, stating they “won`t get anyone better.”
- The film `F1: The Movie` topped the box office on its opening weekend, earning over $140 million globally.
- A unique collection of 20 seldom-used McLaren road cars, previously owned by the team`s late co-owner Mansour Ojjeh, is up for sale.
- Listen to the race preview and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast `Unlapped` with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting from Silverstone.
Circuit Stats and History
Silverstone, like many British race tracks, originated as a former airfield and is the same age as Formula 1 itself, celebrating 75 years.
The circuit held the inaugural Grand Prix in 1950, where Nino Farina claimed victory for Alfa Romeo, achieving pole position and the fastest lap as well.
Since that time, Silverstone has frequently been the stage for exciting races, upsets, and controversies on track, including the dramatic 2024 race where Lewis Hamilton ended a winless streak dating back to 2021.
Since 1950, the British Grand Prix has also been held at Aintree and Brands Hatch. Silverstone and Brands Hatch alternated hosting duties between 1964 and 1986. Since then, the Northampton-based circuit has been the sole host and is expected to remain a fixture on the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future.
Silverstone is known as a high-speed track where drivers spend approximately 80% of the lap at full throttle. While it has undergone several layout changes over the years, iconic corners like Maggots, Becketts, and Abbey remain popular with both fans and drivers.
British Grand Prix Details
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 current grid winners include:
- Fernando Alonso (2006, 2011)
- Carlos Sainz (2022)
- Max Verstappen (2023)
Most Poles: Hamilton with seven (2007, 2013, 2015-2018, 2020). Other current grid pole sitters include:
- Alonso (2005-2006)
- Verstappen (2021, 2023)
- Sainz (2022)
- George Russell (2024)
What makes it special: As the location of the first-ever F1 championship race in 1950, Silverstone holds significant history. Its combination of high-speed corners and potential overtaking spots consistently delivers excellent racing action.
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 incredible view. Watching an F1 car navigate the quick changes of direction through Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel is a must-see experience. You might also catch the conclusion of an overtaking attempt into Copse as drivers race side-by-side.
What Happened Last Year?
Lewis Hamilton secured a dramatic win in mixed conditions, ending a victory drought that had lasted since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton finished 1.4 seconds ahead of his long-time rival Max Verstappen. This victory was his ninth on home soil at Silverstone, setting a Formula 1 record for the most wins at a single circuit by one driver.
Who Will Win?
McLaren demonstrated strong pace in Austria, but the competition at Silverstone is expected to be tighter, particularly if the forecast rain arrives over the weekend.
Lando Norris won Oscar Piastri`s home race earlier in the season, and our prediction is that Piastri will return the favour this week.
Predicting the rest of the field is challenging. Rain could potentially bring Mercedes into contention, while Max Verstappen often excels in wet conditions. However, this event feels like a prime opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to achieve his first Ferrari Grand Prix podium, especially given his history of producing memorable performances in front of the Silverstone crowd.
How the Championships Look
Oscar Piastri remains the championship leader after the Austrian Grand Prix, holding a 15-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Piastri has five wins to Norris` three.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen has ground to make up after retiring from the Austrian Grand Prix; he is currently 46 points behind Norris in third place.
In the constructors` championship, the focus is on the battle for second place as McLaren holds a dominant 207-point lead. Ferrari has moved one point ahead of Mercedes, now sitting on 210 points.
How to Watch the British GP
In the U.S., fans can watch coverage on ESPN and ESPN+.
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is available on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news, analysis, and live updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, reporting from Silverstone and across social media.
Session times listed below are in BST (British Summer Time).
Friday
Free practice one: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
Free practice two: 16:00 – 17:00 BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST
Sunday
Race starts: 15:00 BST
