What you need to know before the British Grand Prix 2025
As Formula 1 heads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, here's what you need to know ahead of the 12th round of the season.
Formula 1 continues its European tour with a must-stop: the British Grand Prix, taking place this weekend on the legendary Silverstone circuit. This will be the 12th round of the 2025 season, which promises to be more unpredictable than ever.
The weekend program
Friday July 4th: Free Practice 1 & 2
Saturday, July 5: Free Practice 3 & Qualifying
Sunday July 6: Race
Key Information on Silverstone
First race: 1950 (75th anniversary this year)
Circuit length: 5.891 km
Lap record: 1’27″097 – Max Verstappen (2020)
Number of poles by Lewis Hamilton: 7 (record)
Number of victories for Lewis Hamilton: 9 (record)
Safety car probability: 88%
Time lost during a stop: 19.9 seconds
Silverstone remains a demanding track for drivers, with fast sequences like Maggots-Becketts or Copse. As highlighted by Jolyon Palmer, former Renault driver, it’s a circuit where you really feel the G forces, and where every corner can make a difference.
Latest polesitters and winners at Silverstone
Polesitters:
2024: George Russell (Mercedes)
2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2022: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Winners:
2024: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2022: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
2021: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Pirelli modifies its tire strategy
This year, Pirelli has opted for a choice of softer tires:
C2 (hard)
C3 (medium)
C4 (tender)
Objective: open up more strategic possibilities. The medium (C3) will play a central role throughout the race. And if typical English weather conditions come into play, everything can change in an instant.
The stakes for the favorites
McLaren secured a one-two in Austria, with Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri. However, the latter still maintains a 15-point lead in the championship. The two teammates will have to avoid a collision in front of their home crowd, as was almost the case at the Red Bull Ring.
Max Verstappen was forced to retire as early as the first lap after a contact with Kimi Antonelli. He sees his rivals closing in dangerously: George Russell, in particular, is now only 9 points behind.
Lewis Hamilton will return to Silverstone, but this time at the wheel of a Ferrari. Winner last year in front of his home crowd, he will attempt to offer the Scuderia its first podium at home in years.
On the Williams side, the pressure is mounting after a double retirement in Austria. The team based in Grove will be keen to turn things around on their home turf.
The memory of 2008: Lewis Hamilton’s first triumph at home
Before this weekend’s race, it’s hard not to revisit the 2008 edition. Qualified 4th on a wet track, Lewis Hamilton makes a perfect start, takes the lead in the early laps, and wins with more than a minute’s lead. A masterpiece that foreshadowed the legend.
The 2025 British Grand Prix promises to be thrilling: with uncertain weather, top battles, and strategic stakes, Silverstone is set to deliver a new chapter in Formula 1 history.
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