The British Grand Prix is a cornerstone of the UK`s vibrant summer sports calendar, standing alongside major events like Wimbledon, the Women`s Euros, the Tour de France, and international cricket.
Britain boasts the highest number of drivers on the current F1 grid, with many teams and staff based just a short distance from the Silverstone circuit.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most victories at the British Grand Prix, with nine wins. However, since his move to Ferrari, he has yet to secure a podium finish at this event.
Reaching the midpoint of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman are the only British drivers who have not yet achieved a win or a podium spot this year.
McLaren driver Lando Norris is currently trailing his Australian teammate, Oscar Piastri, by 15 points in the championship standings. Norris has claimed three wins and nine podiums so far, while Mercedes` British driver George Russell has one victory and five podium finishes.
Given these dynamics, who is poised for success this weekend?
Weather Forecast
Those arriving at the circuit on Thursday can anticipate sunny conditions with temperatures around 22°C.
Temperatures are forecast to increase to 24°C on Friday, accompanied by cloud cover and humid conditions. The outlook for Saturday and Sunday is overcast skies with a strong possibility of showers.
Latest News Updates
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Silverstone`s future on the F1 calendar appears secure, potentially remaining a permanent fixture with no current competition from other UK circuits.
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Actor and filmmaker Keanu Reeves is involved in a docuseries that will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Cadillac`s efforts to join the F1 grid.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli has received a three-place grid penalty for this weekend`s race following a collision with Max Verstappen at the previous event in Austria.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has publicly supported Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, stating that Ferrari would not find a better alternative.
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The recently released film `F1: The Movie` had a successful opening weekend, topping the box office and grossing over $140 million globally.
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A collection of 20 rare, low-mileage McLaren road cars that belonged to the team`s late co-owner, Mansour Ojjeh, is currently up for sale.
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Get insights and analysis ahead of the race by listening to the latest F1 podcast episode previewing the event from Silverstone.
Circuit Statistics and History
Like many historic British racing venues, Silverstone originated as a former airfield and shares the same 75-year history as Formula 1.
The circuit hosted the sport`s inaugural grand prix in 1950, where Nino Farina triumphed for Alfa Romeo, achieving a clean sweep with pole position, the race win, and the fastest lap.
Since its debut, Silverstone has frequently been the stage for significant on-track drama, upsets, and controversies. This includes Lewis Hamilton`s memorable win in 2024, which marked the dramatic end to a victory drought stretching back to 2021.
Before becoming the exclusive host of the British Grand Prix in 1987, Silverstone alternated hosting duties with Aintree and Brands Hatch between 1964 and 1986. It is widely anticipated to remain a fixture on the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future.
Silverstone is renowned as a high-speed circuit where drivers spend approximately 80% of each lap at full throttle. While the layout has evolved over the years, iconic corner sequences such as Maggots, Becketts, and Abbey remain firm favorites among fans and drivers alike.
Circuit Details
- Circuit: Silverstone Circuit; Towcester, United Kingdom
- First F1 race: 1950
- Laps: 52 laps covering 5.9 km each. Total race distance: 306 km
- Lap record: 1:27.097, set by Max Verstappen in 2020
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Most wins: Lewis Hamilton with nine victories (2008, 2014-2017, 2019-2021, 2024). Other winners from the current grid include:
- Fernando Alonso (2006, 2011)
- Carlos Sainz (2022)
- Max Verstappen (2023)
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Most poles: Lewis Hamilton with seven pole positions (2007, 2013, 2015-2018, 2020). Other current drivers who have taken pole here are:
- Fernando Alonso (2005-2006)
- Max Verstappen (2021, 2023)
- Carlos Sainz (2022)
- George Russell (2024)
- What makes it special: As the venue for the first F1 championship race, Silverstone holds immense historical significance. Its combination of high-speed corners and ample overtaking opportunities consistently delivers exciting races.
- What the drivers say about it: “The best high-speed track in the world.” — Lando Norris
- Where to watch from: The Becketts grandstand offers a breathtaking view. Witnessing an F1 car navigate the rapid changes of direction through Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel is a must-see. It`s also a good spot to see how drivers manage side-by-side action continuing after overtakes into Copse corner.
Review of the 2024 Race
Lewis Hamilton took a dramatic victory last year in challenging mixed conditions. This win ended a significant drought that had lasted since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton crossed the finish line 1.4 seconds ahead of his long-time rival Max Verstappen. This triumph marked his ninth win on home soil at Silverstone, establishing a new Formula 1 record for the most victories achieved by a single driver at one circuit.
Predictions for the Winner
McLaren demonstrated commanding pace at the recent Austrian Grand Prix, but competition is anticipated to be much closer at Silverstone, especially if the forecast for rain later in the weekend proves accurate.
Given that Lando Norris won Oscar Piastri`s home race earlier this season, our prediction is for the Australian driver, Piastri, to reciprocate by taking the victory this week.
Predicting the remaining podium spots is difficult. The possibility of rain could bring Mercedes drivers into contention, and Max Verstappen is renowned for his skill in wet race conditions. However, this weekend at Silverstone presents a perfect opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to claim his first podium finish driving for Ferrari, performing in front of the home crowd that has inspired some of his most spectacular career moments.
Championship Standings
Oscar Piastri remains the leader 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 this season compared to Norris`s three.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen is currently in third place, 46 points behind Norris, following his retirement from the Austrian Grand Prix.
In the constructors` championship, McLaren holds a significant 207-point lead over their rivals. The contest for second place is very tight, with Ferrari now standing one point ahead of Mercedes, having accumulated 210 points.
Event Schedule
All session times are listed in 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
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood