The British Grand Prix stands alongside iconic events like Wimbledon, the Women`s Euros, and the Tour de France as a highlight of the UK`s summer sporting calendar. As the nation with the most drivers on the Formula 1 grid and many teams located near the Silverstone circuit, Britain has a strong connection to the sport.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most wins at the British Grand Prix with nine victories. However, he is still seeking his first podium finish since joining Ferrari. At the season`s halfway mark, Hamilton and fellow Brit Oliver Bearman are the only British drivers yet to achieve a win or a podium in 2025.
In the championship standings, McLaren`s Lando Norris is 15 points behind his Australian teammate, Oscar Piastri. Norris has secured three wins and nine podiums, while Britain`s George Russell of Mercedes has one win and five podiums this year.
This sets the stage for an intriguing weekend. Who will emerge victorious at Silverstone?
Weather Forecast
For those arriving at the circuit on Thursday, sunny conditions are expected with temperatures around 22°C.
Temperatures will rise to 24°C on Friday, with cloud cover and humid conditions anticipated. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be overcast with potential showers.
Latest News
- Speculation suggests Silverstone could remain a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar due to a lack of competition from other UK circuits.
- A behind-the-scenes docuseries featuring actor and filmmaker Keanu Reeves will chronicle Cadillac`s journey to joining the F1 grid.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli faces a three-place grid penalty this weekend following a collision with Max Verstappen in Austria.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff offered strong support for Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, stating they wouldn`t find anyone better.
- The film `F1: The Movie` topped the box office in its opening weekend, earning over $140 million globally.
- A unique collection of 20 low-mileage 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, a former airfield like several British racing circuits, shares its age with Formula 1, celebrating 75 years since the sport`s inception. The track was the venue for the very first Formula 1 world championship race in 1950, won by Nino Farina of Alfa Romeo, who also secured pole position and the fastest lap.
Throughout its history, Silverstone has been the site of dramatic races and memorable moments. The 2024 event was particularly noteworthy, seeing Lewis Hamilton break a winless streak dating back to 2021 with a stunning victory.
While Silverstone hosted the first race, the British Grand Prix also took place at Aintree and Brands Hatch in subsequent years. Silverstone and Brands Hatch alternated hosting duties from 1964 to 1986. Since then, the Northamptonshire circuit has been the exclusive host and is expected to remain a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar.
Known for its high-speed layout, drivers spend approximately 80% of a lap at full throttle at Silverstone. Although the circuit has seen modifications over the years, iconic sections like Maggots, Becketts, and Abbey are still highly regarded by both fans and drivers.
British Grand Prix Circuit 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)
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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)
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Most poles: Lewis Hamilton with seven (2007, 2013, 2015-2018, 2020). Other pole sitters 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 first F1 championship race in 1950 and remains a key part of the calendar today. High-speed corners and overtaking opportunities mean it offers some of the best racing on the calendar.
- What the drivers say about it: “The best high-speed track in the world.” — Lando Norris
- Where to watch from: The Becketts grandstand. Witnessing an F1 car`s rapid direction change through Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel is a must-see for any fan. You might also catch the aftermath of overtaking moves into Copse as drivers battle wheel-to-wheel.
What Happened Last Year?
Lewis Hamilton secured a dramatic victory in challenging mixed conditions, ending his winless streak that had lasted since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton finished 1.4 seconds ahead of his longtime rival, Max Verstappen. This victory marked Hamilton`s ninth win at his home circuit, a record for the most wins by any driver at a single Formula 1 track.
Who Will Win?
Following McLaren`s strong performance in Austria, the competition is expected to be tighter at Silverstone, particularly if the predicted rain occurs during the weekend.
While Norris won the season-opening race, which was Piastri`s home event, our prediction is for the Australian driver to take the victory at Silverstone.
Predicting the rest of the podium is difficult. Rain could potentially boost Mercedes` performance, and Max Verstappen is known for his skill in wet conditions. However, Silverstone provides an ideal stage for Lewis Hamilton to achieve his first podium finish with Ferrari, given his history of exceptional performances in front of the home crowd.
How the Championships Look
Oscar Piastri maintains his lead in the championship standings after the Austrian Grand Prix, holding a 15-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Piastri has secured five wins compared to Norris` three.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen needs to recover lost ground following his retirement from the Austrian Grand Prix. He is currently third in the standings, 46 points adrift of Norris.
In the Constructors` Championship, McLaren holds a dominant lead of 207 points. The battle for second place is tight, with Ferrari now one point ahead of Mercedes, both teams on 210 points.
How to Watch the GP
For viewers in the U.S., coverage is available on ESPN and ESPN+.
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. can be found on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Follow ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, for news, analysis, and updates from Silverstone and on social media.
Session Times (British Summer Time – BST)
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 (live text commentary build-up from 13:45 BST)
